study abroad short essay

63 Study Abroad Essay Examples & Topics

Looking for study abroad topics to write about? Studying in another country is one of the most beneficial experiences for students.

🏆 Best Essay Examples
📌 Research Titles
🗺 Topics to Write about

❓ Questions About Studying Abroad

In your studying abroad essay, you might want to write about advantages and disadvantages of being an international student. Another option is to describe the process of making application for a scholarship. One more idea is to share your personal experience. Whether you’re planning to write an argumentative, descriptive, or persuasive essay, our article will be helpful. Here we’ve collected top studying abroad essay samples and research titles ‍‍‍‍for scholarship papers.

🏆 Best Studying Abroad Essay Examples

Why Studying Abroad Results in Better Education For most people, especially in developing nations, the only way to gain an education that will satisfy the demands of the international job market is by studying abroad.
Should Students Study Abroad? Studying abroad offers students an opportunity to travel to new countries and have new experiences that expand their perceptions of the world.
Specifics of Studying Abroad The purpose of this paper is to discuss the most common benefits and drawbacks, as well as overall outcomes that are related to studying abroad and to recommend the ways to handle the drawbacks.
Challenges of Studying Abroad A closer look at the information provided by the majority of the companies specializing in student transfer and the related services will reveal that a range of essential data, especially the information concerning the financial […]
Declining Direct Public Support for Higher Education in USA Partisanship interest in the debate for renewal of the Higher Education Act and a Senate inquiry to validate the governance of the non-profit economic sectors of the United States has demonstrated the complexity of public […]
The Social Role of Higher Education in UK In addition to this, higher education provides a set of values that changes the students to face the existing and the future problems facing the society and the various sectors of work that they operate […]
International Education in Australia China is a good market for Australian education and in the year 2010 a sum of 284700 students from China left the country to further their studies most of them on their own expenses.
The Criteria and Benefits That Allow Students to Work Abroad The most direct experience that a person gets while studying abroad is the understanding of the business world and economics. There is no doubt that the environments and culture of a country are the major […]
Education in Australia as a Tool of Promoting Equality of Opportunity The main objective of vocational education and training is to promote the people, the society, and the economy and to upgrade the labor market.
A Benefits of Education Abroad One of the qualitative aspects of the educational reality in today’s world is the fact that, as time goes on, the number of students who decide in favor of studying abroad increases rather exponentially.

📌 Research Titles about Studying Abroad

Do Study Abroad Programs Enhance the Employability of Graduates
The Effect Of Study Abroad On Studying Abroad
Culture and Study Abroad and Some Drawbacks
How Does Study Abroad Affect A Student ‘s View Of Professional
Analysis Of Some Of The Benefits Of Study Abroad
Do People Who Study Abroad Become More Successful
Increasing Number Of Worldwide People Go Study Abroad
The Lowering Ages of Students Who Study Abroad
Colleges Should Make It Mandatory: For Students To Study Abroad For Specific Major’s
Should Students Spend Lots Of Money For Study Abroad

🗺 Study Abroad Topics to Write about

The Cultural Shock That Students Face When They Study Abroad
Advantages and Dis Advantages of Further Study Abroad
Interlanguage Pragmatic Competence in the Study Abroad
The Study Abroad Trip On Australia
History Of Study Abroad And Exchange Programs
An Analysis of Many Students Wishing to Study Abroad
Most Study Abroad Program Should Be Rename Party Abroad They Are Waste of Time
Why College Students Should Study Abroad
Analysis Of Michelle Obama ‘s Reasons For Study Abroad
Study Abroad Is Beneficial For All College Students
The Journey of Traveling and The Study Abroad
Analysis: Why Student Chose to Study Abroad
The Benefits of Choosing to Study Abroad
How Is Studying Abroad Helps Improve Language Skills?
Which Country Are More Successful for Studying Abroad?
Is Studying Abroad a Good Idea?
Does Studying Abroad Induce a Brain Drain?
Why Is Studying Abroad Beneficial?
How Is the Studying Abroad Effects Learning About Different Cultures?
What Are the Cons of Studying Abroad?
Is Studying Abroad a Waste of Time?
Does Studying Abroad Enhance Employability?
What Are the Positive and Negative Influences of Studying Abroad?
How Capital Accumulation Through Studying Abroad and Return Migration?
Which Country Is Best for Studying Abroad?
What Is Culture Shock When Studying Abroad?
What Is the Impact of Studying Abroad on Global Awareness?
What Are the Disadvantages of Studying Abroad?
Which Country Is Cheapest for Studying Abroad?
Is Studying Abroad Expensive?
What Are Important Reasons for Studying Abroad?
Is It Difficult to Studying Abroad?
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying Abroad?
Which Country Is Hard for Studying Abroad In?
What Is the Impact of Studying Abroad?
What Are the Effects of Studying Abroad on College Students?
What Are Main Hardships While Studying Abroad?
Is It Better to Studying Abroad or Locally?
Does Studying Abroad Help Academic Achievement?
Does Studying Abroad Cause International Labor Mobility?
What Are the Differences Between Studying Locally and Studying Abroad?
Do Students Who Studying Abroad Achieve Tremendous Success?
What Are the Pros and Cons of Studying Abroad?
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Scholarships

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Write An Award Winning Study Abroad Scholarship Essay With These Tips

Mary is an avid traveler and she has visited more than 40 countries. She is currently an editor a...

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The BEST Scholarship Essay Tips

Scholarship deadlines are just around the corner, and if you want to study abroad , now's the time to get those scholarship applications in! You'll be writing a lot of scholarship essays, so it's important that you get it right. Essay writing is challenging, even for the most talented and dedicated students. Fortunately, technology can make a lot of things easier, and writing scholarship essays is one of those things.

Here's the best tips for writing scholarship essays to use if you want to make a good impression and get the funding you need to study abroad . With these scholarship essay tips in mind, you can surely write an award winning study abroad application essay!

Write An Award Winning Study Abroad Scholarship Essay With These Tips

Avoid “one size fits all” scholarship essays.

It's very likely that you're going to be applying for more than one study abroad scholarship. As this is the case, it's tempting to create a scholarship essay that will suit all of them, and then send it off to everyone. However, no essay will suit every scholarship application. Essays are very personal in this regard, and every team is looking for something different. Give yourself time to craft a scholarship essay that's designed to answer their questions.

Know your audience.

Before you start writing, think about what the scholarship committee is looking for in an applicant. Do they want someone who's overcome adversity in the past? Someone who's excelled in a particular subject? The answer should be in the question that they've set for you. Keep this in mind as you plan your scholarship essay.

Give yourself time.

Your teachers are right, no essay will be great if you hammer it out the night before it's due. It's especially true of scholarship essays. Start your plan at least a week before you think you should. This gives you enough time to start writing an outline, and start creating a rough draft of your scholarship essay. Once you're done writing, you'll still have plenty of time to edit. You can also use EssayPro ! If you don't have time for writing your essays, you can always try out this academic essay writing service to complete your assignments on time.

Make sure you're answering the question.

Many scholarship essays fail because the applicant didn't actually answer the question that was set for them. You may feel as though you are answering the question, but read the question carefully and thoroughly before you start writing your scholarship essay.

For example, you may be given the question: “Name a time when you challenged a belief or idea. Why did you do this? Would you do it again?” When you read this question, you may think about how you decided to study law, even though your family wanted you to something else. If the question was different, this would be a great answer. However, look at the question again. It's asking for a time you challenged one particular belief, and your reasoning behind it. Always keep your eye on the prize if you want to write an award winning study abroad scholarship essay.

Be personal.

Your scholarship essay is all about you, so take the time to really delve into what makes you, YOU. Remember, you want to show the committee that you're the student they're looking for. If you're talking about a time when you volunteered, for example, give them the reasons why volunteering for that cause was so important to you. Really give the readers a sense of who you are (this is one of the most important scholarship essay tips ever!).

Use online tools to help you write your scholarship essay.

You don't have to write your essay alone. There are lots of online tools that will help you get the most out of your essay, and provide you with even more scholarship essay tips than this list. You can improve your confidence and skills by taking advantage of the following tools next time you sit down to write a scholarship essay.

Essay Map : This tool is great for visual learners. Give it all the details of your essay, and it'll create a fully formed plan for you. It’s fun and easy way to start writing.

Anyone Can Win a Scholarship to Study Abroad!

And, you don’t have to waste a lot of time to do so. These scholarship essay tips will help you write the best award winning study abroad scholarship essay you can. Use them when you're planning and writing, and you'll have a scholarship essay that shows you off in the best possible light.

Find a study abroad program , search for scholarships , & start writing your scholarship essays!

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100 Study Abroad Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Studying abroad is a life-changing experience that allows students to immerse themselves in a new culture, gain a global perspective, and develop valuable skills that will benefit them both academically and professionally. One of the key components of the study abroad application process is the essay, where students are required to articulate their reasons for wanting to study abroad and how they believe the experience will benefit them.

To help students brainstorm ideas for their study abroad essays, we have compiled a list of 100 study abroad essay topic ideas and examples that cover a wide range of themes and experiences. Whether you are looking to explore a specific aspect of a particular destination or reflect on your personal growth and development during your time abroad, these essay topics are sure to inspire you to craft a compelling and memorable essay.

Why do you want to study abroad?
How will studying abroad help you achieve your academic and career goals?
What specific academic or professional skills do you hope to gain from studying abroad?
How do you plan to immerse yourself in the local culture while studying abroad?
What challenges do you anticipate facing while studying abroad, and how do you plan to overcome them?
How will studying abroad help you develop a global perspective?
How do you plan to stay connected with your home country while studying abroad?
What do you hope to learn about yourself while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad impact your personal growth and development?
What impact do you hope to have on the local community while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you become a more independent and self-reliant individual?
What cultural differences do you expect to encounter while studying abroad, and how do you plan to navigate them?
How will studying abroad help you become a more empathetic and understanding individual?
What specific experiences or activities do you hope to participate in while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you become a more confident and self-assured individual?
How do you plan to document and reflect on your study abroad experience?
What advice would you give to future students who are considering studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you become a more open-minded and tolerant individual?
What impact do you hope to have on your host institution while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you develop your communication and interpersonal skills?
How do you plan to balance your academic responsibilities with your personal interests while studying abroad?
What specific cultural traditions or customs do you hope to learn about while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you become a more adaptable and flexible individual?
What specific challenges do you anticipate facing while studying abroad, and how do you plan to overcome them?
How will studying abroad help you develop your problem-solving and critical thinking skills?
What specific courses or subjects do you hope to study while abroad, and why?
How will studying abroad help you become a more resilient and determined individual?
What specific extracurricular activities do you hope to participate in while studying abroad?
How do you plan to make the most of your study abroad experience?
What specific cultural landmarks or attractions do you hope to visit while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you become a more creative and innovative individual?
What specific cultural events or festivals do you hope to attend while studying abroad?
How do you plan to make friends and build relationships with your classmates while studying abroad?
What specific cultural practices or customs do you hope to engage in while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you become a more socially responsible and ethical individual?
What specific volunteer or service opportunities do you hope to participate in while studying abroad?
How do you plan to engage with the local community and make a positive impact while studying abroad?
What specific internships or research opportunities do you hope to pursue while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you develop your leadership and teamwork skills?
What specific career opportunities or networking events do you hope to take advantage of while studying abroad?
How do you plan to maintain a healthy work-life balance while studying abroad?
What specific language immersion programs or courses do you hope to enroll in while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you develop your language proficiency and fluency?
What specific cultural excursions or field trips do you hope to participate in while studying abroad?
How do you plan to document and share your study abroad experience with others?
What specific cultural artifacts or artworks do you hope to study or analyze while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you develop your critical and analytical thinking skills?
What specific cultural cuisines or dishes do you hope to sample or try while studying abroad?
How do you plan to engage with the local arts and entertainment scene while studying abroad?
What specific cultural performances or exhibitions do you hope to attend while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you develop your creativity and artistic talents?
What specific cultural museums or galleries do you hope to visit while studying abroad?
How do you plan to engage with the local music and dance scene while studying abroad?
What specific cultural traditions or rituals do you hope to experience or participate in while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you develop your cultural awareness and sensitivity?
What specific cultural literature or poetry do you hope to read or study while studying abroad?
How do you plan to engage with the local history and heritage while studying abroad?
What specific cultural myths or legends do you hope to learn about while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you develop your historical knowledge and understanding?
What specific cultural landmarks or monuments do you hope to explore or visit while studying abroad?
How do you plan to engage with the local politics and government while studying abroad?
What specific cultural festivals or holidays do you hope to celebrate or observe while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you develop your political awareness and activism?
What specific cultural customs or traditions do you hope to learn about or partake in while studying abroad?
How do you plan to engage with the local religion and spirituality while studying abroad?
What specific cultural rituals or ceremonies do you hope to witness or participate in while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you develop your religious and spiritual beliefs?
What specific cultural beliefs or values do you hope to explore or understand while studying abroad?
How do you plan to engage with the local philosophy and ethics while studying abroad?
What specific cultural philosophies or ideologies do you hope to study or analyze while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you develop your philosophical and ethical perspectives?
What specific cultural debates or controversies do you hope to engage in or discuss while studying abroad?
How do you plan to engage with the local sociology and anthropology while studying abroad?
What specific cultural practices or norms do you hope to learn about or question while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you develop your sociological and anthropological insights?
What specific cultural identities or communities do you hope to explore or interact with while studying abroad?
How do you plan to engage with the local gender and sexuality while studying abroad?
What specific cultural gender roles or sexual norms do you hope to challenge or understand while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you develop your gender and sexuality awareness?
What specific cultural diversity or inclusion initiatives do you hope to support or promote while studying abroad?
How do you plan to engage with the local race and ethnicity while studying abroad?
What specific cultural racial or ethnic issues do you hope to address or confront while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you develop your racial and ethnic consciousness?
What specific cultural migration or diaspora experiences do you hope to explore or learn about while studying abroad?
How do you plan to engage with the local immigration and citizenship while studying abroad?
What specific cultural immigration or citizenship policies do you hope to investigate or analyze while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you develop your immigration and citizenship knowledge?
What specific cultural globalization or localization trends do you hope to study or critique while studying abroad?
How do you plan to engage with the local economy and business while studying abroad?
What specific cultural economic or business practices do you hope to observe or participate in while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you develop your economic and business acumen?
What specific cultural sustainability or environmentalism initiatives do you hope to engage in or support while studying abroad?
How do you plan to engage with the local environment and ecology while studying abroad?
What specific cultural environmental or ecological issues do you hope to address or investigate while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you develop your environmental and ecological awareness?
What specific cultural health or wellness practices do you hope to learn about or adopt while studying abroad?
How do you plan to engage with the local healthcare and wellness while studying abroad?
What specific cultural healthcare or wellness challenges do you hope to address or overcome while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you develop your healthcare and wellness knowledge?
What specific cultural technology or innovation trends do you hope to study or experiment with while studying abroad?

These 100 study abroad essay topic ideas and examples cover a wide range of themes and experiences that students can explore and reflect on in their study abroad essays. Whether you are looking to focus on a specific aspect of a particular destination or delve into your personal growth and development during your time abroad, these essay

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Crafting the Perfect Study Abroad Essay

Follow these tips to make your study abroad essay stand out.

Applying to Study Abroad

Whether you just want to do a semester or an entire program abroad, it’s likely a study abroad essay will be required. Students are beginning to realize what a great opportunity it is to take their studies abroad. Not only is it a great way to make new friends, practice your language skills, and travel while studying, it’s also great to put on a resume . So, it’s no wonder students are lining up to pick their top destinations and programs to study abroad.

To make sure they pick students who are ready and serious about studying abroad , most schools will, therefore, require a study abroad essay. The essay is a chance to make a great first impression and show the university administration that you’re ready to make the commitment to take your education even further by going abroad.

Consider some of the following tips to really make your study abroad essay stand out!

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1) Explain Why Study Abroad Will Make a Difference for Your Studies

A lot of students want to study abroad just for the experience and the excitement of living and learning abroad. These are important aspects, of course; however, school administration wants to know why going to your top study abroad destination will make a difference to your education.

Be specific! Explain the impact studying abroad will have on your personal and professional growth. Don’t just highlight how you think you will learn a lot. What do you expect to get from the program specifically? Is there a reason you picked one country over another to study in?

The more specific you are the better. It shows the university that you have given serious thought to your studies and that you are ready for the commitment!

2) Let Them Know Why You Picked Where You Want to Study

Instead of just saying you will study anywhere, as long as it’s abroad, tell the university why you picked your top study abroad destination. Write with enthusiasm and let admissions know what you are excited to see and do in your new home.

Make sure you do the research in advance! Name some museums you would be interested in exploring or some monument you would be interested in seeing. It’s in your favor if you can also tie these back to your study program!

This will show your school that you will not take your study abroad experience for granted, and that you already have things to do to integrate into your new home easier.

3) Describe Why You’re Qualified

Whether you've recently entered college or are ready to graduate, your experience says a lot about what you will accomplish on your study abroad. If you want to make your study abroad essay stand out, make sure to make mention of your previous experience.

Mention major academic accomplishments, work experience, or skills that you might find useful abroad, such as knowledge of a second language.

The university knows you will learn a lot during your time abroad, but the more you can bring to the program, the better!

4) Show Your Personality

The best study abroad essays are the ones with a little bit of personality! Your essay should still sound professional, but don’t be afraid to let yourself shine through as well. Studying abroad comes with challenges, and if the university gets a sense you are ready for them, you will move to the top of the list.

Add a personal story about something relevant to living and studying abroad. Describe a time you traveled somewhere new or met a friend from a different country. A well-rounded individual with some experience is the perfect candidate for studying abroad.

Showing some enthusiasm while also keeping your expectations realistic is the right way to show the admissions team that you have thought long and hard about your decision to study abroad, and that you are ready to pack up and move abroad.

5) Follow Instructions

It might sound simple, but if you don’t want your study abroad essay to be immediately tossed aside, make sure to read and follow all the instructions given. Some universities will ask specific questions or ask students to format their essays in a particular way.

Don’t ignore these instructions! It’s the first step to making a great impression.

If the essay is open-ended — great! Follow our tips to get inspired. But, if there are specific questions, make sure you answer them clearly and concisely. There might not be any right or wrong answers, but your school will still be looking for students who are able to express themselves and get their point across.

The Perfect Study Abroad Essay

If you followed our advice so far, you’ll be looking at the study abroad essay that’s going to get you into the program of your choice at the study abroad destination of your dreams!

Don't forget to proofread before handing in your essay. If possible, it's great to have someone take a look over it as well, especially if it's a professor or someone who has written a study abroad essay before.

Unsure of where to study abroad?

Check out our handy country guides!

Keystone Team Author

The Keystone Team is comprised of experienced educators and advisors dedicated to providing valuable resources and advice to students all over the world.

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How to Write a Winning Study Abroad Scholarship Essay

Studying abroad is a big and expensive part of many students' education, and scholarships can help with that. Here's how to ace those study abroad scholarship essays.

by Ashley Halsey Professional Educator and Writer

Last Updated: Mar 16, 2023

Originally Posted: Nov 23, 2019

Studying abroad is a dream opportunity that can have so many benefits, some of which you may not even realize as you head into your application or daydream about having the chance to go. The most obvious benefit is that you get to experience a different culture, different people, or a different way of life. This is fascinating on its own and could be considered reason enough to start your application. Add to that the opportunity to freshen your perspective with a change of scenery, make new friends, potentially pay lower tuition and living fees, learn a different language, and broaden your understanding of the world, and you’ve got something all students should at least think about doing while at university.

Of course, study abroad isn’t as easy as signing a form and away you go. Most of the time, you’ll need to have some financial support from an institution before you can go galloping off. To earn this, you’ll almost always have to write an essay and compete with your peers for the opportunity. So, here are some tips for making sure that it’s you getting on that plane and not anyone else.

Read the prompt carefully

The most classic error students make with any essay is not answering the question. This goes for travel abroad writing as much as anything else. “You can write the most incredible essay full of perfect demonstrations of your intelligence and passion, but if it doesn’t answer the question, it won’t get considered at all,” says Jake Cole, an educator at Writinity . You’ll also write a more informed essay if you really understand the parameters of your question. You might easily be vague in how you respond if you don’t really know what you’re responding to. A good technique is to reread the question several times, highlighting operative words when they occur to you as a way to keep things under control.

Related: How to Read a College Application Essay Prompt

Surprise your reader

It’s easy to write formulaic essays —an intro, a few body paragraphs, a conclusion, and you’re done. A study abroad essay is unorthodox by nature, so you definitely don’t want to limit yourself in form or substance. The other thing you’re up against is how much competition there is for each spot in the program. The people who make decisions will read hundreds of essays, and you want to make sure yours stands out so come decision time, they haven’t forgotten yours exists. Take an approach to your essay that’s different from what you suspect others are going for. Use your alternative approach as a connection to how strongly you feel about the application. It’s easy to dash off a standard essay, but it’s difficult to slowly piece together something more unusual and specific. It shows care and attention, two traits they’ll want to see to prove you actually deserve the scholarship.

Run your essay past the right people

It’s easy to get too insular as you work on an essay. They tend to take a good amount of time, and most people prefer to work in isolation. This means you could write an essay for six hours without even stopping to let your own mind have a subjective overview, let alone get an outside opinion. “Whenever I write anything extended, I will always run it past people around me. In the case of a scholarship essay, past winners, parents, people from where you are hoping to transfer to, and your professors are going to be your biggest resources as you try to put something of consequence together,” explains Kaya Gopal, tutor at DraftBeyond and ResearchPapersUK . Always get second, third, and fourth opinions on your content to make sure you’re in the best position to avoid getting lost in your own work, which can definitely happen if you aren’t careful.

Related: Secrets to Writing an Amazing Scholarship Essay

This is always important! Making mistakes in a standard essay is bad, but you’re fighting so hard in a study abroad scholarship essay that if you aren’t vigilant about the small things, those judging your work will be eager to cut you out to save themselves the trouble. Proofreading is a complex process. It’s harder than just passing an eye over your work. There are different layers to it: Does your essay’s logic stand? Have you done everything you said you’d do? Is it structured correctly? Is all the spelling correct? The grammar ? The syntax? Each of these details is as important as the rest. Again, getting these things correct helps demonstrate to readers how committed you are to your application and how much work you’re willing to put in to be accepted. Conversely, if you fail to proofread, it comes across like you don’t care about your application.

Do your research

Before you write your essay, you need to research the country, city, and institution you’ll attend if you get the scholarship and, in a different sense, you need to research yourself. Researching yourself means knowing why it is that you actually want the scholarship and how it will be instrumental in making a difference in your life. This means taking some time for reflection.

Related: List: The Experts’ Choice: Terrific Study Abroad Programs

Studying abroad is such an incredible opportunity, so you have to do everything in your power to ensure the application you put in to secure funding is as strong as possible. Hopefully these tips will help as you think about writing your essay.

Find scholarships to fund your study abroad goals with our Scholarship Search tool.

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Essay writing skills for international students

Essay writing is an essential skill that all international students need. We take you through how to approach the process with some guidelines and advice.

As part of our academic writing series, we look at how to start essay writing at university. Academic writing is very different from any English language writing you may have done so far. It’s a process, and you shouldn't miss any parts of the process. 

Here we give you an overview of the steps involved in  academic  essay writing and some advice for each section.

How to start essay writing

Reading

To begin writing, the first thing you must do is read. Read the essay question carefully and highlight the key words and parts of the question. Read your lecture notes and do further reading on the subject using the reading list and other resources you have been given. 

While  reading , make lots of notes and make sure you keep a list of all the sources you have used. You’ll need this to write a comprehensive reference list at the end. Being able to reference and use citations is vital. Copying and using other peoples’ words in your essays is a serious offence at university and has serious consequences. You can find out how to reference and use citations in our article on referencing. 

Planning

This part is as important as the actual writing, so make sure you never miss this step. Use the essay question to help guide you and keep you focused. The question can help provide the overall structure for your essay. Your reading and notes will also help you decide on a plan, don’t worry if you need to change the order or structure as you go along; it’s easier to adapt a plan than to rewrite a whole essay. 

During this planning phase, you’ll be able to organise your ideas into different sections and start inserting some details and references into paragraphs. Once you’re happy that your plan is organised clearly and cohesively (the ideas and paragraphs link together) and that it covers each part of the essay question, you’re ready to begin writing. 

Writing

If you’ve followed this advice so far, then beginning to write will be easier now that you have a good, solid plan. While  writing , make sure that your arguments are supported by evidence and that you reference each time you use the words or ideas of a different source. Each university and sometimes each department has its referencing style so ensure you follow the guidelines. 

To potentially avoid using someone else’s words or ideas, you need to be able to summarise and paraphrase. Paraphrasing is expressing the meaning of something you have read during your research in your own words. It's a key academic writing skill that all university students need to learn - it isn’t just  international students . Each university has its own academic skills and  English language  support services, so please make sure to use these services.

Reviewing

This is the final part of the essay writing process and definitely shouldn’t be missed or cut short. You should reread your essay and check the following:

Each part of the essay question is answered.

The introduction has a thesis statement and clear essay structure.

Each paragraph has only one topic.

Each paragraph should have a topic sentence.

Relevant and strong evidence.

The conclusion summarises the main points and doesn’t introduce any new information.

Referencing has been used correctly.

The reference list is included.

A bibliography is included. This is a list of all the sources you have used in your research, even if you haven’t referred to them directly in your essay.

The style of writing should be formal:

- use more sophisticated vocabulary.

- use more sophisticated grammar structures.

- do not use contractions.

Grammar and spelling.

Save and back up a copy of your essay.

Hopefully, you’ll find this advice useful. Come back for more tips in our academic writing series. While you're here you might find our series on useful English language for different situations helpful. 

Top 10 job seeking tips for international students

Finding a job after university is pretty much every graduate's dream. After years of hard work and late-night cramming in the library, it’s time to enter the professional world of work to gain a well-deserved salary and experience. But how easy is it to find work as an international graduate? Well, it firstly depends on whether you have permission to remain in the country to work. This should be your first step if you wish to stay in your study destination or move

Opening a bank account as a study abroad student

Organising your finances is a major part of the study abroad preparation process. You need to make sure that while you’re in your new study destination, you are able to live and support yourself and have access to your money. This includes being able to pay for things such as rent, groceries, travel, books and daily living costs. To do this without paying exchange fees, it’s a good idea to open a bank account in the country you’ll be living and studying in.

Top five jobs for students abroad

Studying abroad and being a full-time student has many advantages. You’ll be fulfilling your academic ambitions, experiencing a new culture and hopefully getting fully involved in university life. Admittedly one of the other aspects of being a student is not always having that much disposable income available. Studying abroad can be expensive and so finding some extra money to support yourself could mean needing to find a student job. It’ll allow you to fund some

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We’ve all been there. That circled date on the calendar that looms large, the feeling of anxiety at the amount of work to be done and wondering whether you’re covering the right areas. Examinations, when you’re a student, can seem overwhelming and insurmountable. However, we’re here to help you reduce that stress. We’ve got some top tips, advice and guidance on how to revise for exams, including effective study techniques. Having a good exam revision strategy goes a

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How Do I Write a Personal Statement for Study Abroad?

September 26, 2023

how to write study abroad personal statement

Programs for this blog post

Authored by:.

Writing a personal statement is an important aspect of the study abroad application process. However, if you’re unfamiliar with the practice, it can seem overwhelming. Have no fear – CIEE is here! Let’s review how to write a personal statement for study abroad.

What is a Study Abroad Personal Statement?

First things first. What even is a study abroad personal statement? Knowing the definition of what it is will help you write one.

Simply put, a study abroad personal statement is a component of your CIEE application, specifically in the CIEE scholarships and grants portion (which every student should fill out, by the way). It is a brief essay (300 words) in which you explain how a CIEE study abroad program will impact your college experience and/or your future career plans.

Read More: How to Apply to a Study Abroad Scholarship at CIEE: 4 Steps

What Are Study Abroad Personal Statement Examples?

To give you a better idea of how this content should develop, take a look at a few short study abroad personal statement examples:

“Partaking in the Arts + Sciences program in Cape Town , South Africa will further my passion and dream career in public health by volunteering with local health and medical organizations and learning how to better support people in historically complex socioeconomic situations and aid them in finding the resources they need equitably.”
“The Sustainability + the Environment study abroad program in Monteverde , Costa Rica will provide me with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a variety of different environments, like the Lowland Rainforest, and conduct research alongside professionals in the field. Eventually, I want to be a researcher that helps bring sustainability and conservation issues to the forefront of each and every country.”
“I want to be a Spanish teacher. I have always loved the language and learning more about diverse Spanish traditions, and there’s no better way to do both than by living and breathing the language and local culture during a study abroad program in Seville .”

While your own study abroad personal statement will be a bit longer than these quick topic sentences, these examples directly explain how a CIEE Study Abroad experience will enhance a student’s passions and general career aspirations.

How to Write a Personal Statement for Study Abroad?

We have a few quick tips that will help you write your personal statement for studying abroad.

How do you start a personal statement?

Step #1: identify your “why”.

The best way to start a study abroad personal statement is by identifying what you’re truly passionate about. This should be an easy start – if you’ve always been enthusiastic about history, explain why. If you love Japanese manga, explain how you got into it. If you’re an avid hiker, describe when you first fell in love with a trek. Be yourself when writing about topics or activities that are important to you – we want to hear about it!

Read More: What are Your Goals for Studying Abroad?

Step #2: Explore How Your Passions Translate into a Career

Next, think deeply about how you can turn your passions into a career, or at the very least, how you plan on practicing your interests in the future, whether in college or in a professional capacity.

Referencing our former examples, if you’re fascinated by history, you might have plans to go to graduate school and study archaeology. As a manga lover, you might start a youth club on the topic in your local community. As an avid hiker, you might want to become a professional conservationist to not only keep your beloved trails intact, but also to protect wildlife and natural sanctuaries.

Read More: How to Put Study Abroad on Your Resume: 4 Steps

Step #3: Align Your Goals with a CIEE Program

The last step is putting it all together and aligning with CIEE study abroad programs. Once you’ve detailed your passions and how you want to incorporate them into your future plans, pinpoint which CIEE study abroad program will help you fulfill your goals.

As a history and archaeology lover, studying abroad in Greater China , with ancient battlefields and some of the most impressive structures ever built, might be the best opportunity to kickstart your career. As a Japanese manga fan, heading to Kyoto , home to the world’s first manga museum, will help you dive deep into the subject matter. To continue your hikes, traveling to the iconic Blue Mountains in Sydney will be your best bet.

Read More: Is Studying Abroad Worth It? 10 Outcomes of Studying Abroad

How long should a personal statement be?

Word counts for your study abroad personal statement will vary by CIEE program and by host institution (the university you’ll be studying at overseas). Prepare to write at least 300 words, which is a little more than half a page, single-spaced.

seville spain residence rooftop study abroad

Does CIEE Require a Personal Statement?

CIEE’s study abroad personal statement requirements vary by program and not all guidelines are the same. Generally speaking, you should expect to be required to complete a personal statement if you decide to apply for CIEE funding (which, you totally should, as CIEE awards thousands each year to students like YOU!). Outside of any CIEE personal statements you may be required to complete, you should also check with your school’s study abroad office to see what their requirements may be.

Make the World Your Classroom

While writing a personal statement for studying abroad may not be required based on your program of choice, it’s still incredibly valuable, at the very least, to think about how a study abroad program will impact your college experience and/or future plans. Establishing this will provide a lot of meaning to your adventure and will really help you become the best version of yourself.

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Home / Essay Samples / Education / Learning / Studying Abroad

Studying Abroad Essay Examples

Studying abroad: exploring my motivations.

Studying abroad has become an increasingly popular choice for students seeking a transformative educational experience. The opportunity to live and study in a foreign country presents a myriad of benefits, both academically and personally. In this essay, I will present arguments in favor of studying...

Why I Want to Study Abroad: Exploring New Horizons

Studying abroad has always been a dream that has sparked curiosity and excitement within me. This essay delves into the reasons why I want to study abroad, the personal and academic growth I anticipate, and the invaluable experiences that I believe await me in a...

Why Do I Want to Study Abroad

Studying abroad is a dream I have nurtured for years, and it represents an important chapter in my academic and personal journey. The decision to study in a foreign country is not one I take lightly, and it is grounded in a deep-seated desire for...

Language Barrier: the Challenge of International Students

Language barrier is one specific challenge facing students in transition at the University of Bristol and in this challenges of language barrier essay I will discuss what problems usually arise in the life of an international student. As it is shown in the OECD statistics,...

The Great Debate: Studying Abroad Vs Studying in Your Country

“The art of reading and studying consists in remembering the essentials and forgetting what is not essential.” Adolf Hitler. Studying abroad and studying in your own country both have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. Studying in your own country allows you to stay close...

Studying Abroad as an International Student

“So, we know that it’s not enough for us to simply encourage more people to study abroad. We also need to make sure that they can actually afford it.” ―Michelle Obama Good morning teachers and my fellow classmates, today I am presenting a topic of...

Difficulties and Benefits of Studying Abroad

With globalization, more and more students want to leave their home environment to go study abroad. These trips are most often in the form of scholarships and student exchanges. This exercise is so widespread that one wonders whether or not to advocate such a practice....

My Motivation to Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Business in Germany

My name is Sourav Joshi, S/o Mr. Ashok Kumar and Mrs. Shashi. I hail from H NO- 1948, New Aman Nagar Salem Tabri, Ludhiana. I live in a nuclear family. I believe that family is such a strong word which means to feel secure. I...

Studying Abroad in England

If given the opportunity to study abroad anywhere in Europe, the country of my choosing would be England. The university that I would pursue would be the prestigious University of Cambridge, where I would study programming. The university, which is located in the center of...

Studying Abroad in the U.s.a

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving,” said Albert Einstein who is one of the most famous scientists. As Einstein says, life is a bicycle if you stop, you will fail. Sometimes life opens the doors when least...

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