With vaccine rates on the rise and in-person classes resuming around the globe, students are able to pick up old plans for traveling to foreign countries while they earn their degrees. With fewer travel restrictions and greater peace of mind, students can take advantage of opportunities to learn important skills in their field while immersing themselves in a new culture. When you study abroad, you gain so much more than knowledge and college credits. You bring yourself into a whole new environment that challenges you, inspires you, and helps you grow into the person you want to be in the future. Studying abroad can also help you pick up a new language and add some flair to your resume post-graduation.
While budgeting to live overseas isn’t easy, it can be made easier with scholarships and student loans. If you already have existing debt, you can refinance your existing loans into a new one through a private lender. This can free up space in your budget and help you organize your finances before heading to your destination. Read on to discover the top seven places students will be headed in 2022.
1. Kenya
Located in East Africa, the Republic of Kenya has been around for centuries and continues to serve as a place of wonder and discovery for all who visit. The Indian Ocean connects East Africa to Arabia and Asia and, to this day, serves as a place to import and export goods, thus boosting the global economy. The capital city of Nairobi is home to skyscrapers and businesses of all kinds while shanties house many Kenyan natives. Students will have ample opportunity to explore Kenya and learn the native language of Swahili while receiving their education. Many places in Kenya are home to underserved populations, so practicing medicine here upon graduation would prove to be a very rewarding career.
2. Tanzania
Home to 49.2 million people, Tanzania is also located in East Africa directly under the African horn. The country was formed in 1964 when Tanganyika and Zanzibar were combined into one country. Tourists visit Tanzania to climb the massive Mount Kilimanjaro and to visit Serengeti National Park, which is home to elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos and rhinoceroses. Tanzania even has its own currency: the Tanzanian shilling. But while Tanzania is a popular tourist attraction, the country is poor and in need of better healthcare. Ample opportunities exist for students who want to improve Tanzanian healthcare and reach those in need.
3. Spain
Spain is a beautiful country with a rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse community of foreign students. In addition to learning your discipline, you can also master the basics of Spanish and become conversational in a second language while you’re abroad. Since Spanish is the second most commonly spoken language in the U.S., you’ll be doubling your job opportunities while getting familiar with the locals. Students in Spain can also enjoy some of the most affordable living in Europe. It is close to many other hotspots as well, so visiting Italy, France or England during your time overseas won’t be difficult.
4. Japan
As one of the world’s most beloved cultures and travel destinations, it’s no surprise that students are eager to get their study visas in Japan. Art and fashion students in particular will revel at the chance to develop cultural competence and study the influential, eccentric and one-of-a-kind trends that Japan embodies. From the street style of Harajuku to the historical architecture and breathtaking Japanese woodwork, there is no shortage of marvels to take in when you visit the Land of the Rising Sun. For non-Asian language speakers, picking up Japanese can be tough, but you’ll be able to take classes as part of your study abroad program. Mastering the basics will give you a good foundation to communicate with locals and meet new people.
5. Australia
Australia is chock full of breathtaking scenery, beautiful beaches and bustling cities that are ideal for the active student. You can hike, swim, surf and explore on your off days while getting an education at one of the country’s leading universities. Australia is a fantastic study abroad location for the thrill seeker who wants to get out and see the world hands-on. In addition to world-renowned universities, Australia also has an extremely multi-cultural population with a good blend of natives and immigrants. You’ll be able to explore more than just the traditional Aussie way of life and enrich your global perspective as you live, learn and explore down under.
6. Thailand
Many foreigners flock to Thailand because of its natural beauty and extremely affordable cost of living. There are many U.S. citizens who have been able to survive on just $1 a day in the country. If you’ve been saving and want to get the most out of your budget, then Thailand will definitely pay you back in experience tenfold. Known worldwide as the “Land of Smiles,” Thailand is a beautiful country with incredible food, a unique language, thriving cities and vibrant forests. Teaching English in Thailand is one of the most popular jobs among foreign students, and you may find it a fun way to meet new people off campus. You can earn your TEFL/TESOL certification online and build a convenient, flexible career in addition to earning your degree.
7. South Korea
The Hallyu, or Korean Wave, has sparked an interest in millions of Westerners to visit the modern, stylish, and ever-innovative country. Seoul in particular is one of the most widely visited cities in Asia, but South Korea has so many other marvelous destinations for students. Contrary to what you see on TV, more than half the country is covered by forests. The major cities are only one side of the country’s appeal, so there’s plenty of exploring to be done when you’re not in class. Learning Korean is much easier than Japanese or Chinese for English speakers, so you can feel confident that you’ll be reading signs and communicating with locals in a few months’ time. From degrees in art and science to engineering and literature, South Korean universities hold many distinguished programs for students from all over the world.
Go Abroad with IMA
Do the facts about these countries spark your interest? Do you want to provide healthcare to underserved populations while learning and growing in a new environment? International Medical Aid provides pre-medicine internships to students with this very desire. Relocating to one of these countries might not be an option for you financially. But going on a pre-medicine internship is something many students find they can do. For more information, please reach out to us. We’d be happy to discuss our pre-medicine internship opportunities with you.
