After high school, many students are torn between attending university or participating in an exchange program. Undoubtedly, both options offer numerous benefits, both for personal development and professional growth. But ultimately, which is the best choice? In this post, we'll discuss the advantages of university and exchange programs. Keep reading to find out!

How to choose between college and an exchange program?

This will depend on your skills, desires, goals, and availability. Before making your choice, you need to fully understand the benefits of each option. 

Reasons to go to college

According to a study conducted by the OECD, Brazilians with higher education earn, on average, 144% more than professionals who only have a high school diploma. Besides guaranteeing better salaries and professional opportunities, a college degree provides great benefits for personal development. Check it out below!

Professional development in your area of interest. 

A university degree qualifies students to work in their chosen field, providing the necessary preparation to face all the challenges of the job market. The great advantage here is studying what you enjoy, making learning much more interesting and enjoyable.  

Expand your network.

College is the best place to start professional networking. During the course, you will meet many people and expand your network. This will allow you to share information with your future colleagues, ask for advice from more experienced people, and even... get an internship.

It promotes personal development. 

Far beyond offering technical knowledge related to professions, college promotes the student's personal development. During your undergraduate studies, you will expand important skills such as teamwork, time management, set goals, Planning and developing projects and communicating effectively will all be very useful for your career and personal life.

It allows one to pursue an academic career.

You will be able to participate in Research Centers from your educational institution and engage in scientific initiation during your undergraduate studies. In addition to expanding learning and improving academic performance, scientific initiation is the best path for those who wish to dedicate themselves to an academic career.

Reasons to do an exchange program

Studying abroad is an excellent opportunity to gain intercultural knowledge. During your international trip, you can take courses, explore new places, and exchange experiences with other students. Here are some reasons to study abroad. 

It's ideal for learning other languages.

Studying abroad is one of the best options for those who want to improve their language skills. During the trip, it's possible to immerse yourself in the foreign language, learning to communicate with native speakers and students from other countries. This is one of the most efficient and quickest ways to learn. 

It allows contact with other cultures.

You will have new experiences every day and will be able to connect with different cultures, people, places, and stories. This is enriching for students in all fields. 

It enriches your professional resume.

Exchange programs are highly valued by company recruiters. After all, those who participate in these types of trips bring back a wealth of knowledge and experience. Having an exchange program on your resume will increase your chances of landing your dream job. 

Expand your network.

You will meet people from all over the world. In addition to lifelong friendships, this network of relationships can provide excellent professional opportunities.  

International experience during college

Some educational institutions offer the opportunity to gain international experience during undergraduate studies through partnerships with foreign institutions. 

ESEG, for example, has the International Experience Program (IEP), a support and guidance center for students wishing to enroll in international study programs. 

This is an excellent alternative for those who don't want to give up pursuing a degree and want to have an international experience. By doing an exchange program during college, you can attend courses in your field of study taught at renowned institutions. Without a doubt, you will return even more motivated. 

Choosing between attending university or doing an exchange program is truly not an easy task. After all, both options require an investment of time and money. At this point, the most important thing is to consider your goals for the future. Want to know more about the possibility of doing an exchange program during university? Get to know the ESEG International core team..