It’s an amazing opportunity to put yourself to a test in an academically and culturally different environment, practice your language skills, make new friends and future business partners and gain an advantage in the job market.
We talked to EBS owner and chancellor Mart Habakuk about why, in his opinion, should every student spend at least a semester abroad.
I advise studying abroad and the Erasmus exchange program especially to those students who previously haven’t worked/studied outside their homeland and who have fears or doubts about making it in a new environment. Curiosity is important as well. There are two options when a curious student believes they will experience and learn more in the upcoming 6 months by studying abroad. Option one is to do nothing with that information. Option two is to look for opportunities, talk to fellow students who have studied abroad, set goals and make the decision. We are working towards making an exchange semester the new standard during EBS bachelor’s studies so that not going abroad would be a rare exception.
Studying far away from home doesn’t differ much from working far from home. An experience is an experience, that will help you make better choices in the future. If you have decided to go, then I advise on taking courses that EBS doesn’t have and use all the opportunities – both in and outside the university – to broaden your network.
During a job interview you can be sure to get questions about the time spent studying abroad. More important than the fact that you took part in such a program is what you did while there and what you gained from it. I’m sure that about an exchange student, employers value their initiative and curiosity. It’s very likely that someone who used the opportunity to study abroad for a semester is more curious and initiative than someone who didn’t. So, if a potential employer is looking for someone highly routine-tolerant and obedient to order around, participating in the Erasmus program could mean not getting the job. – Mart Habakuk
Starting from this year, studying abroad has been made even easier and more comfortable. EBS study programs now include a mobility window – the third semester which can be compiled, according to your taste, of free subjects from a partner university. In addition, studying abroad for a semester doesn’t increase your tuition fee. More information: https://student.ebs.ee/en/outgoing-students
