Benefits of an Exchange Program

Europe is a very popular destination for students from all over the world to pursue higher education. Not only is the quality of education and the rankings of the universities high in many European countries, but the learning experience goes beyond mere education. Europe has a variety of culture and languages and as a result the experience is rich for an expat to study and live in a European country. Even for European students, studying in another European country that has a promising study program and rich culture will be an experience of a lifetime.

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ESCP Europe Business School- One of the leading and most International Business Schools

As a result, many universities and business schools in Europe have a very international portfolio of students. This further adds to the richness of the experience for the students who come from overseas to study.

Importance of an International Profile

A staggering number of young students in Europe’s big cities are fluent in at least two languages. In fact, it is not very surprising to find those who speak 4 or 5. It is counted in how international a profile is. In some fields, having an international profile is given higher importance than other fields. Nonetheless, it is always a huge plus point to highlight this point in your portfolio.

Having studied or worked in an international environment shows ability to understand, adapt and learn from different cultures and expand own domain of understanding and knowledge. Having collaborated with people from different countries who may have had an extremely different lifestyle all their life, inculcates new dimensions of social interaction in people’s personalities. Meeting and working with people from different cultures also enforces confidence and efficiency. Therefore, it is a part of personality development.

Exchange Programs

Exchange programs are a great way to officially add international experience to your profile. Most known universities all over the world today have a number of partner universities for exchange programs or even dual degree programs. A dual degree program means a full-fledged admission/enrolment to the partner university, along with paying the full degree program tuition fees in order to obtain a degree. On the other hand, an exchange program is shorter in duration and does not require undergoing an admission procedure depending on your GPA and the partner university's requirements. Based on your career goals and interests, you can choose the best suited partner university for an exchange program. Undoubtedly, both these carry value and all that is needed is to figure out the most feasible and preferred option according to career goals.

Source By Kris Roderburg

Maastricht University, one of the world's most reputed universities, offers many Exchange program courses in its various colleges.

This holds more importance than visiting a new country as a tourist. There are two reasons that can explain this. Firstly, being a tourist is extremely likely to be way shorter in duration than the period of an exchange semester. Secondly, being a tourist does not justify how you interacted, learned or collaborated with people of another culture than yours. A tourist who is well prepared and has planned accommodation, travel, etc. can spend a couple of days in a new country without interacting much with the country’s people. So can a bunch of friends who are indulged in one another and are well equipped with google maps and hence are not very likely to talk to the local people and know their stories.

On the other hand, an exchange program lasts for more than four months, in general, and the courses are designed to have class discussions and projects. They also provide an international environment which automatically stimulates interaction between the students.

Erasmus Exchange

Erasmus exchange is highly popular in Europe. It is synonymous with a highly international student program. Other than exchange programs, Erasmus also has volunteering, student networks, internships and travelling.

Erasmus+ Logo of an Erasmus International Exchange Network for students

The words Erasmus Exchange on a profile implies that the student has had international experience in Europe. The Erasmus is reputed and well known and will add value to a student's profile.

Therefore, no matter in which corner of the world you are a student, if your college provides you the opportunity to go for an exchange program, you should not miss it. It will turn out to be a valuable experience.

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