Movies about student life and studying abroad

The expectation of a new chapter in life can bring both positive emotions and nervousness. But rest assured – this is absolutely normal. Nervousness is a natural process when anticipating change.

We suggest distracting yourself from the anticipation and watching films that showcase student life and university education.

The Social Network (2010)

A contemporary biographical drama about Mark Zuckerberg. The plot centers on an American success story in its modern form, based on real events from 2004, when a group of students launched the Facebook website, which caused a chain reaction of visits online.

The creator of the big business, which started as a joke, was 19-year-old student Mark Zuckerberg, who soon became the youngest billionaire in the world. In reality, Mark simply had an argument with his girlfriend, went onto the university website, and wrote something on it like “Erica Albright – ….” and offered everyone the chance to vote for the coolest among the female students. The reaction was overwhelming – the number of visits to the page reached tens of thousands within a few days. Harvard’s network crashed, Mark was threatened with expulsion, and at that moment, he came up with a way to drastically enhance the possibilities offered to users of the Network…

After the project was launched, the incredible success of the project prompted Mark’s friends to claim rights to the promising network. Will there be room for friendship in the courtroom?

Pitch Perfect (2012)

A melodramatic comedy about talented singing teams competing. The plot involves two groups of students at Barden University fiercely competing. One group consists of guys, the other of girls. Both teams share a dream – to win the National Competition finale. The main character is freshman Becca, who dreams of becoming a musician, but is forced by her father to get a higher education. She agrees to join one of the teams and, between rehearsals, learns about the problems the members of the creative group are facing…

Diary of Exchange Students (2021)

The title of the Netflix series speaks for itself. It tells the story of friends Barbara and Talia, who go to study abroad in the United States. Shortly after their arrival, they encounter difficulties and culture shock. Barbara, who is used to comfort and personal space, has to live with a host family, while her free-spirited friend Talia lives in the home of a highly patriotic and conservative couple. But despite all the difficulties, the friends find love, strengthen their friendship, and share many amazing moments together, most importantly: they get to know the culture of the country they came to study in.

Legally Blonde (2001)

“Legally Blonde” is a great example that personal skills of a lawyer are often just as important as their competence in law.

Elle Woods leads a fun student life with a degree in business and fashion. But one serious problem arises: her boyfriend, instead of proposing marriage, decides to break up with her, attend law school at Harvard, and find a girlfriend from a more intellectual family.

Elle is heartbroken, but decides to take action: she will study law and fight for her ex. “Why do you need law school? It’s a place for serious people,” her father tells her. But the decision is made, and Elle enrolls in the university!

Her story is full of challenges: a new field for her, old habits, and an unconventional social environment. But the heroine doesn’t stop on her path to knowledge and proves that a desire to achieve one’s goal will always come true.

Emily in Paris (2020)

American Emily goes to work in Paris. She will have to get acquainted with the local culture, adapt her American style to French traditions, and learn to live in a foreign city.

“I’m in love with Paris, but it seems Paris doesn’t love me“. This series is about cultural differences, adaptation, and finding one’s place. Although the plot is not directly about studying abroad, Emily goes through the same problems that students in foreign universities face.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001)

The legendary franchise about a young wizard who goes through a journey from a light fairy tale to confident adult cinema. But what does studying abroad have to do with this? Upon closer inspection, Harry goes through the same journey as students in foreign universities. He receives a letter of invitation, packs his things, and heads to a new “country” with its own laws, rules, and culture.

Among us, there are those who know this movie by heart and those who have never seen it. Therefore, getting to know this movie (or watching it again) from the perspective of studying abroad will be quite interesting 🙂