The Student Room Group

Seeking advice on exchange programs

Hello everyone,

I’m currently an international undergraduate student studying in Canada, and I’m considering joining an exchange program at a university in the UK for one semester. I’m pursuing higher studies and aiming for a career in academia within my field.

For those who have participated in exchange programs during their undergrad, I’d love to hear about your experiences. Did the exchange program significantly impact your admission to grad school or your job prospects?

I’m trying to decide if spending a semester abroad will be beneficial for my future academic and career goals.

Any insights, advice, or personal stories would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Original post by LemonSolar
Hello everyone,
I’m currently an international undergraduate student studying in Canada, and I’m considering joining an exchange program at a university in the UK for one semester. I’m pursuing higher studies and aiming for a career in academia within my field.
For those who have participated in exchange programs during their undergrad, I’d love to hear about your experiences. Did the exchange program significantly impact your admission to grad school or your job prospects?
I’m trying to decide if spending a semester abroad will be beneficial for my future academic and career goals.
Any insights, advice, or personal stories would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Hey there 😀

I think it is great that you are considering participating in an exchange programme. I did a one-year exchange and it was one of the best decisions I made for both my academic and career prospects. I studied in Spain and the experience was incredible.

Having international experience on your resume can definitely make you stand out. It shows that you are adaptable, culturally aware, and capable of thriving in different academic environments. Employers value the skills you gain from studying abroad, such as adaptability, communication, and problem-solving. When I applied for a summer internship, the hiring committee was very interested in my exchange experience and how it shaped my interests and personal growth as well as how it made me more resilient and open-minded.

This adventure has also a priceless impact on your personal development. Living and studying in a new country boost your confidence and independence. Furthermore, meeting people from around the world lead to valuable connections and creation of an inspiring network of friends.

For me, it was a transformative experience that significantly contributed to my personal and academic development.

I hope it was helpful 💪 Feel free to reach out if you have any questions 😉 You can also chat with me or other students directly through The Ambassador Platform.

Take care,

Julia
Psychology student
De Montfort University

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