Studying Abroad Makes You Creative

If you want to be creative, consider studying abroad. Researchers at the University of Florida, Gainesville, found that students who'd studied in Senegal, Spain, or wherever were more creative than those who had stayed home, reports Pacific Standard. Participants were tested on their reactions to unexpected questions—like how walking on air or having a different skin color would affect their lives.

The study measured creativity by the number of answers a student gave and how innovative or funny they were. Those who had left the country not only outperformed the US-only students, but also those who planned on going away—showing that students who study abroad aren't just more creative by nature. “Cultural experiences from living abroad have wide-reaching benefits on students’ creativity," the study authors wrote. However, if a plane ticket is out of reach, maybe you can afford a cup of coffee instead. (More creativity stories.)