go abroad
Travel overseas
Literally: Go to a place outside of the broad boundaries of one's home.
Use `go abroad` to describe traveling to any foreign country without needing to name a specific destination.
In 15 Seconds
- Traveling from your home country to a foreign one.
- Never use the word 'to' before 'abroad'.
- Covers everything from short vacations to moving away forever.
Meaning
This phrase means leaving your own country to visit or live in a different one. It is like crossing a border to see the rest of the world.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about summer plans
I really want to go abroad this summer, maybe to Italy.
I want to travel to a foreign country this summer.
A formal job interview
I am willing to go abroad for the company if necessary.
I am willing to travel to other countries for work.
Texting a friend about a move
Can't believe I'm finally going abroad next week! ✈️
I am leaving for another country next week.
Cultural Background
The term 'abroad' comes from the Old English 'on brede', meaning 'at large' or 'away'. In modern culture, 'going abroad' is often associated with the 'Gap Year' tradition where students travel for a year before university to gain life experience. It is a status symbol of being well-traveled and open-minded.
The 'To' Trap
The biggest mistake is saying 'go to abroad'. Abroad is an adverb here, so it doesn't need 'to'. Think of it like the word 'home'—you say 'go home', not 'go to home'.
Abroad vs. Overseas
In the US, people say 'abroad' for Canada or Mexico too. In the UK, they often say 'overseas' because almost everywhere else requires crossing the sea!
In 15 Seconds
- Traveling from your home country to a foreign one.
- Never use the word 'to' before 'abroad'.
- Covers everything from short vacations to moving away forever.
What It Means
Go abroad is your ticket to the world. It means traveling to any country that is not your own. You are leaving your home soil. You are crossing oceans or borders. It sounds more exciting than just saying travel. It implies a big journey. It suggests a change of culture and language.
How To Use It
You use it as a verb phrase. You do not need a preposition like to. Never say go to abroad. That is a common mistake. Just say I want to go abroad. You can use it for short vacations. You can use it for moving away for years. It works for work or for fun. It is very flexible.
When To Use It
Use it when discussing holiday plans with friends. Use it during job interviews about international experience. It is perfect for social media captions. Use it when dreaming about your future. It fits well in academic settings too. If you are leaving your island or continent, this is the phrase.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for domestic travel. If you live in New York and visit California, you are not going abroad. Do not use it for very specific locations. If you are going to Paris, just say I am going to Paris. Go abroad is general. Do not use it if you are already in a foreign country. You cannot go abroad while you are already there!
Cultural Background
For many, going abroad is a rite of passage. In the UK and Australia, many young people go abroad for a gap year. It represents freedom and growing up. Historically, it was only for the wealthy. Now, it is a goal for almost everyone. It carries a sense of adventure and curiosity. It is about expanding your horizons.
Common Variations
You will often hear study abroad for students. Professionals might work abroad. If someone lives in another country, they are living abroad. You might also hear travel overseas. Overseas is more common in island nations like the UK or Japan. Abroad is the most universal term used everywhere.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and safe for all situations. Remember that 'abroad' functions as an adverb of place, similar to 'downstairs' or 'there', which is why it doesn't take a preposition.
The 'To' Trap
The biggest mistake is saying 'go to abroad'. Abroad is an adverb here, so it doesn't need 'to'. Think of it like the word 'home'—you say 'go home', not 'go to home'.
Abroad vs. Overseas
In the US, people say 'abroad' for Canada or Mexico too. In the UK, they often say 'overseas' because almost everywhere else requires crossing the sea!
Vague is Okay
Use 'go abroad' when you haven't picked a specific country yet. It makes you sound like an adventurous traveler who is open to any destination.
Examples
6I really want to go abroad this summer, maybe to Italy.
I want to travel to a foreign country this summer.
Used to express a general desire for international travel.
I am willing to go abroad for the company if necessary.
I am willing to travel to other countries for work.
Shows flexibility and professional commitment.
Can't believe I'm finally going abroad next week! ✈️
I am leaving for another country next week.
Short and punchy for a text message.
The only reason I want to go abroad is for the snacks.
I want to travel just to eat foreign food.
Uses the phrase for a lighthearted, humorous reason.
It will be hard with you going abroad, but I'm so proud.
It will be difficult while you are in another country.
Focuses on the distance and the emotional impact.
Did you ever consider the chance to go abroad during college?
Did you think about studying in another country?
Commonly used in the context of education.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct way to complete the sentence.
My sister decided to ___ last year to learn Spanish.
We use the base form 'go' after 'decided to', and 'abroad' never takes the preposition 'to'.
Identify the most natural phrase for a business context.
Our manager needs to ___ for the international conference.
'Go abroad' is the standard professional way to say someone is traveling to another country.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Go Abroad'
Talking to friends about a trip.
I'm going abroad!
Standard everyday use.
She wants to go abroad.
Business or academic writing.
The opportunity to go abroad.
When to say 'Go Abroad'
University
Study abroad programs
Vacation
Holiday in another country
Career
International business trip
Relocation
Moving to a new country
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot necessarily! It can mean a one-week vacation or moving for ten years. The context usually tells you how long the trip is.
No, that is incorrect. You should say I am going abroad. The word abroad acts like a direction, so it doesn't need to.
Yes, it is perfectly fine. Phrases like Experience working abroad are very common in professional CVs.
They mean almost the same thing. However, overseas literally implies crossing an ocean, while abroad just means any foreign country.
Yes! If you live in France and go to Germany, you are going abroad even if you just drive across the border.
It isn't slang, but it's very common in casual speech. It's a neutral phrase that everyone uses.
You would say I am abroad or I am living abroad. You only use go when you are talking about the travel or the move.
Yes, travel abroad and go abroad are interchangeable. Travel abroad sounds slightly more focused on the journey itself.
No, it's used for study, work, or moving. For example, I want to study abroad next semester is a very common sentence.
The opposite is staying home or domestic travel. If you stay in your country, you are traveling domestically.
Related Phrases
Overseas
In or to a foreign country across the sea.
Out of the country
A common way to say you are not in your home nation right now.
Globetrotting
Traveling to many different countries for pleasure.
Expat life
The lifestyle of someone living in a country other than their native one.
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