Study a Year Abroad

Studying a year abroad is an enriching experience that offers students the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a new culture, perfect a foreign language and develop academic and personal skills that will be invaluable throughout their lives. This educational adventure provides a global perspective and a deeper understanding of the world around us. Under the educational guidance of O Castro British International School, we explore the 6 reasons why studying abroad for a year can be a pedagogically and personally transformative decision. O Castro students have the opportunity to study for an academic year at Stonar School (England), one of the Globeducate British International Schools.

1. Cultural and linguistic immersion:

One of the main benefits of studying abroad for a year is the cultural and linguistic immersion experienced when living in a different country. Students have the opportunity to interact with people from diverse cultures and lifestyles, giving them a broader perspective of the world. In addition, by studying in an environment where the local language is the primary means of communication, students significantly improve their language skills, enabling them to communicate with confidence in a global context.

At Stonar, over 75% of our students, both boarders and day students, are British, providing an authentic British boarding school experience with total language immersion. Our students follow the same curriculum, participate in sports and extracurricular activities alongside their British peers, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the English language.

2. Development of independence and autonomy:

Being away from home and facing new and challenging situations fosters the development of independence and autonomy in students. By taking responsibility for their own daily lives, from organising their studies to managing their budget, students learn valuable lessons in decision making and problem solving, giving them greater maturity and self-confidence. At O Castro British International School we provide exchange students with a full team of professionals to give support and guidance to students and families.

3. Academic experience in an international context:

Studying abroad for a year gives students the opportunity to be part of a different educational system to the one they are used to. This diverse and multicultural academic approach exposes them to new perspectives and teaching methods, which enriches their learning experience. Interaction with teachers and students of different nationalities broadens their view of knowledge and enables them to acquire problem-solving skills that transcend cultural boundaries.

4. Expanding the network of international contacts:

During their stay abroad, students have the opportunity to build a network of international contacts that will be useful in their future career. By interacting with fellow students from all over the world, students create valuable relationships that can open doors to future job opportunities and international collaborations. As O Castro British International School is part of Globeducate, students have incredible opportunities to connect, compete and work with other students from all over Europe and the world.

5. Developing tolerance and adaptability:

Living in a foreign country and adapting to a new culture and way of life requires tolerance and adaptability. Students learn to appreciate cultural differences and adapt to diverse situations, which provides them with valuable skills of resilience and empathy. The ability to adapt to new environments and changing situations is a vital skill in today's world, and studying a year abroad provides an excellent opportunity to develop it.

6. Personal growth and self-discovery:

Studying a year abroad is a transformative experience that promotes personal growth and self-discovery. By stepping out of their comfort zone and facing unfamiliar challenges, students are forced to reflect on their values, goals and aspirations. This introspection helps them develop greater self-awareness and set clearer goals for their future.

O Castro British International School is part of Globeducate, an international group with over 55 schools in Spain, France, UK, Italy, Andorra, India, Portugal, Canada, Qatar and Cyprus. With more than 60 years of experience, our educational project is based on linguistic immersion, enriching multicultural experiences and the development of strategies and skills that empower each of our students to become global citizens capable of transforming the world.

Studying abroad for a year is an unparalleled opportunity for students who wish to acquire a global and enriching education. Cultural and linguistic immersion, development of independence and autonomy, academic experience in an international context, expanded international network, tolerance and adaptability, and personal growth and self-discovery are just some of the reasons why this experience is so valuable. Students who study abroad return to their home countries with a more open mind and a deeper understanding of the world. They also become global citizens who are better prepared to face the challenges of the 21st century and contribute meaningfully to society.