Should I Study Abroad Alone or with Friends?

Learning a new language, getting to know a new culture, and improving your career prospects. These are all possible outcomes of studying abroad. Sounds pretty great, right?

Ready to learn more about yourself than you could’ve imagined?

Studying abroad is great, but it can also be intimidating in the beginning—especially if you’re going to study abroad alone.

You’re not the first prospective study abroad student to ask yourself, Should I study abroad alone or with friends? If you have a friend who also wants to study abroad, you might have even considered going together.

But is it a good idea? While the ultimate decision is up to you, the experience if you study abroad without friends will be very different from how it would be with them. It is worth considering what you both expect from your study abroad experience and how your friendship might be affected.

Can you study abroad with a friend?

Yes, if you’re signed up for the same program! You can also study abroad with a friend if you go to different programs in the same city.

There’s no reason why you can’t study abroad with friends, but it may not always be the best idea. The fact that you’re friends doesn’t mean that you have the same interests.

For example, maybe you’re an art major focusing on the Renaissance, and Italy is your dream destination. Your friend who is a Spanish major will naturally want to go to a Spanish-speaking country. If you agree to give up on Italy to be with your friend, you would compromise on your dreams. The same goes for your friend if they follow you to Italy.

Although it might not sound like a big deal now, you might regret giving up on your dream study abroad program in the future. When you study abroad without friends, you get to prioritize your own needs and future.

Plus, if you end up studying abroad at different places at the same time, you can visit each other. This still means traveling together, seeing new countries, and having new experiences together.

What is it like studying abroad alone?

You’re signing up for the freedom to learn and grow as a person when you study abroad without friends.

Studying abroad alone can be a great experience as you’ll have a lot of freedom, discover new things about yourself, and learn more about your host country and your courses. Here’s what you should know before you go to study abroad alone:

1. You will be completely independent.

Is there a better time to get to know yourself than when you’re studying abroad? Whether you’re going for a four-week study abroad program or a year-long exchange program at a university abroad, you will get to stand on your feet and solve your own problems. This will help you learn more about yourself, all while discovering your host country.

2. You will make a lot of friends.

Studying abroad with no friends doesn’t mean that you’ll be completely alone throughout your studies. There will be many other international students from all over the world who will be in the same situation as you.

You can join university clubs to make friends with fellow exchange students. To get to know the local culture better, you can also consider hanging out at places where locals go. This way, you’ll make local friends, discover your host country’s culture, and improve your language skills.

3. You will learn so much.

By studying abroad, you will experience the education system of a new country. The courses you take might be organized in a very different way than what you’re used to back home. Or maybe, your host country has different digital tools you’ll get to use. Either way, a new way of looking at your major will broaden your horizons.

Besides what you learn from your courses, you’ll also learn about yourself. What’s your favorite thing about your host country? Do you enjoy solo travel? How do you deal with stress away from your comfort zone?

Being able to enjoy your own company is one of the most important things in life, and studying abroad alone is a great first step to this.

4. You will grow as a person.

Studying abroad is not all roses. You might experience homesickness, get sick, or realize your money is running out.

When you’re on your own, you need to get creative and find your own solutions to these problems. It won’t take long before you realize that calling your loved ones, checking what your health insurance covers, or looking for a part-time job can solve some of your problems.

You’ll be proud of yourself as you see how much you get done by yourself. As an international student, especially while studying abroad without friends, you’ll inevitably improve your problem-solving skills.

5. You will make the most of the study abroad experience.

Bring the main character energy to your study abroad experience.

You know how in movies people want to move to a new country where no one knows them and start over? Well, studying abroad is exactly that. When you’re abroad, it’s a new you.

You can pick up new hobbies, meet new people, and do things that you wouldn’t have done otherwise. Only when you are alone is this “movie effect” possible.

Should I study abroad with or without friends?

You have a list of questions to ask your study abroad advisor as you plan your ideal experience: Should I study abroad in the summer or in the winter? Should I stay for a couple of months or a year? Should I study abroad alone or with friends?

While the first two answers depend a lot on your academic needs and goals, the final answer can come down to your personality. There are people who go abroad alone and have a great time, while there are others who go with friends and have a great time as well. Here are some things to consider as you choose:

1. Both can be fun!

Sharing the study abroad experience with your friend can add to your relationship and bring you closer. But going abroad alone can open many doors and help you meet your next best friends.

Studying abroad with or without friends are two different experiences, but this doesn’t mean that one is fun and the other is boring. However…

2. You will have more freedom when you’re studying abroad with no friends.

While it might sound like a good idea to choose the same courses as your friend and help each other out, it might also become a nightmare if you don’t have the same interests. By studying abroad alone, you get to put yourself first.

3. It’s easier to meet people when you’re alone.

Studying abroad alone makes it easier to get out of your bubble and make new friends.

When you’re studying abroad alone, you push your boundaries. You don’t have friends yet, so you go out and meet people. If you’re studying abroad with your friend, you might find it too tempting to stay in your bubble and only hang out with each other.

4. Studying abroad with your friend can change your friendship.

For the better or the worse? It depends. But keep in mind that your friendship might change as you’ll both have new experiences outside your comfort zone.

Maybe you’ll support each other in difficult times and your friendship will get stronger. Or maybe, you’ll end up living together, and realize that you don’t get along at all.

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Studying abroad alone might sound scary—but it’s almost always a good idea!

Personal and academic growth, seeing new places and meeting new people—it’s all possible when you take the plunge and study abroad alone.

You shouldn’t compromise on your dreams just to be with your friend. Plus, you can still meet after your study abroad experiences. One thing’s for sure—you will have tons of stories to tell each other.