go abroad
Travel overseas
Literally: Go to a place outside of the broad boundaries of one's home.
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 'Gap Year' is a rite of passage where students go abroad for a year before university. It often involves backpacking through Southeast Asia or Europe. In the US, 'Study Abroad' is a highly structured university program. It is often seen as a luxury or a significant academic milestone. Going abroad is often linked to the 'OFW' (Overseas Filipino Worker) phenomenon, where people leave to support their families back home. Because of the Schengen Agreement, 'going abroad' can be as simple as a short drive or train ride, making international travel a part of daily life for many.
No 'To' Allowed
This is the most common error. Never say 'go to abroad.' Just say 'go abroad.'
Use with 'Want'
It's very natural to say 'I've always wanted to go abroad.' it sounds more idiomatic than 'I want to travel.'
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.
No 'To' Allowed
This is the most common error. Never say 'go to abroad.' Just say 'go abroad.'
Use with 'Want'
It's very natural to say 'I've always wanted to go abroad.' it sounds more idiomatic than 'I want to travel.'
Business English
In a professional context, use 'go abroad on business' to sound like a native speaker.
Overseas vs Abroad
If you are in the UK or Australia, use 'go overseas' to sound more local, though 'abroad' is still 100% correct.
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 grammatically correct sentence.
Which of these is correct?
'Abroad' is an adverb and does not take a preposition or an article.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'go abroad'.
Last summer, my sister _______ for the first time to visit France.
The sentence refers to 'Last summer,' so we need the past simple form.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: Have you seen Mark lately? B: No, he _______ to study for his PhD.
The present perfect 'has gone abroad' is used to describe a past action with a result in the present (he is still there).
Match the reason for going abroad with the correct sentence.
Match: 1. Education, 2. Career, 3. Vacation
Each sentence clearly defines the purpose of the international travel.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Abroad vs. Domestic
Practice Bank
4 exercisesWhich of these is correct?
'Abroad' is an adverb and does not take a preposition or an article.
Last summer, my sister _______ for the first time to visit France.
The sentence refers to 'Last summer,' so we need the past simple form.
A: Have you seen Mark lately? B: No, he _______ to study for his PhD.
The present perfect 'has gone abroad' is used to describe a past action with a result in the present (he is still there).
Match: 1. Education, 2. Career, 3. Vacation
Each sentence clearly defines the purpose of the international travel.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with friends, at work, or in academic writing.
No, 'abroad' is an adverb. You don't use 'to' with it.
'Overseas' specifically implies crossing an ocean. 'Abroad' just means another country.
Yes, as long as you cross an international border.
Yes, it is very common in all varieties of English.
There isn't a single phrase, but you might say 'stay in the country' or 'travel domestically.'
Yes, that means you are currently in a foreign country.
Not necessarily. It can mean a 3-day vacation or a 3-year job contract.
'Study abroad' has become a fixed term for university programs.
No, 'abroad' is already an adverb. 'Abroadly' is not a word.
Related Phrases
go overseas
synonymTo travel to another country across the sea.
study abroad
specialized formTo attend school or university in a foreign country.
travel abroad
similarThe general act of international travel.
live abroad
builds onTo reside in a foreign country for a long time.
venture abroad
specialized formTo go abroad with a sense of risk or adventure.
