Hi, are you Jennifer?
Yes, I'm Jennifer, how can I help you?
I'm Lucy, do you have time?
I have some questions to ask.
I would be happy to answer your questions.
I heard you studied abroad in Europe.
Yes, I just got back from studying in Italy.
I just graduated from high school, so I'm wondering if I should study abroad or study
at home.
It's easier to make decisions when you question why you should study abroad.
I also don't know why I should study abroad.
You should refer to my reasons.
Why do you want to study abroad?
I want to explore foreign places and learn their languages.
You can travel to achieve those goals.
I don't have enough money to do it.
Studying abroad also costs a lot of money.
I can apply for a scholarship.
Finance is the only reason you choose to study abroad?
I didn't say so.
Any other reason?
I can travel to many places.
Italy is a place with many beautiful tourist attractions.
As well as experiencing the culture of Italy, I will also be able to easily travel to other
nearby countries.
Traveling within the European Union is easy.
I met a lot of new people and made new friends who are in the same position as me.
You make friends with people from all kinds of different cultures.
Thanks to that, I learned about many countries and customs around the world.
Many lifelong friendships begin in college and you'll be able to learn, live and travel
together during your studies.
It was very helpful to get to know people from different countries, especially after
I graduated.
Have you graduated already?
I just graduated last month.
Do you come back home to work?
No, I'm going back to Italy to work for a few years.
Why do you want to work there?
The main reason for getting the degree in the first place was to improve my career prospects.
Will studying in another country make it easier for me to find a job?
In a well-connected world, employers increasingly value graduates with international education
and experience.
What do modern businesses look for in international students?
International students often master a new language, appreciate other cultures, overcome
the challenges of living in another country, and learn more about the world.
I'm learning a new language and it's really challenging.
It is really helpful to learn a new language while living in a place where the language
is spoken natively.
Was your study time extended when you had to learn Italian before going to university?
No, I studied in English.
Did you not know Italian before studying abroad?
I studied Italian all through high school.
You study diligently.
The main purpose of learning a language is to apply for a scholarship.
Why don't you apply for university in Italian?
At that time, I was still not confident with my Italian.
It will be quite difficult but will help you get better at the language.
I have had many opportunities to study languages ​​outside of the university, besides that,
I want to focus on my major.
Why didn't you choose a university in your home country when you wanted to focus on your
major?
It is true that there are many good schools in my country, but my major in Italy is more
appreciated.
What is your major?
I studied fashion design.
Surely you've had plenty of opportunities to practice while studying.
I even got an internship at a big company.
Many interesting benefits but I always fear it's a challenge.
There are unique challenges, but it's all part of the experience and the fun.
I get a little nervous when I think about going to a strange place.
It is completely natural to be nervous before leaving your home country to live and study
in a faraway country.
How do you get over that fear?
I have had invaluable experiences when I stepped out of my comfort zone.
Just that?
When I get stuck I think if I can travel overseas to study, I can do anything.
Is there anything else that appeals to you when you think about studying abroad?
It's food, I've enjoyed Italian food.
I also love pasta.
While living in Italy, I got to listen to traditional music, have a go at local activities,
and discover everything else that the host country has to offer.
It's exciting to meet people who have grown up in a different culture.
You can learn a lot about yourself and your home country by seeing your own culture through
the eyes of others.
Being immersed in a totally different environment can also be good for us.
This enriching experience not only allows you to see and do things you wouldn't expect
but also helps you become more independent.
Going to university is when we are truly independent from our parents and family.
Yes, and especially true when we go to university in another country.
Being independent is a challenge in itself.
Studying and living in a foreign country will help shape you into an independent and adventurous
adult.
That helps you ready to succeed in your future career.
It also makes you see things from another point of view, making you a more rounded and
open-minded person.
I love talking to international students because they have many strange and interesting stories.
When I returned home from studying abroad, I also had a lot to say to my friends, from
the interesting people I met, to the amazing sights I saw.
You might also find some interesting stories about your efforts to deal with culture shock.
There are many interesting things when you decide to study abroad.
It's great to study abroad, but I still want to know the difficulties you face while in
another country.
The first difficulty I encountered was homesickness.
Although studying in the country, being away from home must have been a difficulty.
Being halfway around the world, in a country different from your home country will make
you miss home even more.
Going home during the holidays or weekends becomes more difficult.
It will come and go anyway so don't worry too much about homesickness.
What about the cost of studying abroad?
Usually, tuition fees will be higher for international students.
If I apply for a scholarship, I won't have to worry about the costs.
You will incur a large moving cost.
Do I have easy access to student loans?
You may not be entitled to the same student loans you would get back at home.
Culture shocks, language barriers, or long flights that may require connecting flights
or lay overs are also things that worry me.
Don't let disadvantages make you have to make an important decision in life that will bring
you many benefits.
You are very right, many disadvantages are easily overcome, thank you for giving me useful
advice.
You’re welcome!
Wish you had the right choice for your upcoming path.