Study Abroad Programs: Reasons Why You Should Just Do It
Study Abroad Programs or educational travel is one of the fastest growing niches in both the travel and education fields. Lots of students are attracted to the idea of studying abroad in a foreign country. The idea of traveling to learn Italian in Rome or study Chinese in China is an incredibly exciting idea, but the idea of leaving the familiarity of home can be overwhelming. Ultimately though, it’s too good of an opportunity to pass up, even if it requires leaving friends and family for an unfamiliar environment.
Study abroad is a growing experience and truly tests your abilities to cope and flourish. There is a lot to get used to- a new university, a new home, and students who aren’t exactly like you. But the reward comes in the amazing sights and attractions you’ll see, the great people you’ll meet, the quality of hands-on education you’ll receive, and the overall exhilarating feeling of independence. No matter how the rest of your program goes, you can celebrate the fact that you managed to survive on your own!
"Experience is the best teacher," as they say, and becoming an international student, whether in Florence or Madrid, or anywhere else, is the best way to acquire it. You will have a more realistic knowledge and understanding of international, political, and economic issues of different regions because you have actually been in the arena where it is all happening. Culturally, your view of people and the traditions they practice will make you appreciate their innovative, yet time-honored beliefs and customs, as well as your own fast-paced and modern comforts.
Many universities agree that "experience is the best teacher"- there’s no easier way to test this theory than becoming a global student. Whether studying in Barcelona or Buenos Aires, your first-hand knowledge and experience will gain you a keen understanding of world, political, and economic issues. In that step, you’ll become more culturally aware as well, increasing your understanding of other societies and learning to embrace your own culture as well. Through your professor, classmates, and the locals, you will gain a better understanding of how foreigners view the United States. Through meeting a large number of international students, from Berlin to London to St Petersburg, you will begin to understand the cultural differences that play a part in the daily global lifestyle.
Students often have the misconception that they can only study abroad if they speak the local language. This is not true, although students usually end up with a strong desire to study a foreign language once living abroad. You should take advantage of the opportunity, as a bilingual status can certainly expand your resume in an increasingly competitive job market. Learning a language in its native country is far more effective than learning only in a classroom at your home university- through daily contact with native speakers, you become more comfortable and familiar with the sounds and usage. Most foreign universities offer language classes for foreigners but there are thousands of langauge schools that specialize in offering courses to foreigners of all ages.
In addition to the educational benefits of study abroad programs, don’t forget that you’ll be living in a foreign country. Most people can only afford to travel for a few weeks at a time, but as an international resident, you’ll be living a semi-permanent vacation. Not only will you be able to visit all the local tourist attractions, but you’ll have the time to visit neighboring cities and countries as well. Traveling within Europe is not convenient, but also priced attractively for college students living on a limited income. Weekends will provide the perfect opportunity to travel with your new friends.
Through study abroad, students can also gain relevant experience that will help in job searches for their post-college lives. You can gain an “edge” over others applying for the same job, especially if related to business, international affairs, or the government. By studying abroad, you will be able to add knowledge of foreign language skills and an international knowledge to your resume, which will attract employers to your resume. Your employer will be more impressed with an applicant who has studied Spanish in Chile rather than taking a semester at even the most prestigious local university. Even if you do not plan to enter the working world right away, these factors can help when applying to graduate programs because it shows that you have good communication skills, the ability to analyze, flexibility, and that you easily adapt to new environments and diversity. Companies are realizing that no corporation, or even country, can survive without cooperation from others, and employees with a keen international perspective are becoming more and more of an asset each day.
Now that you’re all set to go, you have several aspects to consider when selecting a program. Is the program exactly what you want? Is the price right? Are you studying abroad because you really want to, or because you’re escaping problems at home or school? These are all very important things to consider, even if it might delay your selection. Ultimately though, choosing the perfect program will ensure that you have the best time possible. Once you have made your decision though, don’t waste anytime! You’ve got the chance to experience the ultimate education by studying abroad.
Tags: study abroad programs | study abroad programs | language immersion | language immersion | studying overseas | studying overseas | language schools | language schools | semester abroad | semester abroad
March 28th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
I find that friends and family easily understand when you are studying abroad, of course they miss you (and you miss them) but you are both busy with your daily routines, which keeps you a little less worried about the other. I found that I ended up emailing people, keeping them updated on my life a lot more often than I did at home, while I was abroad! I was always too happy to post blogs or upload pictures on my homepage to keep my friends updated!
Once I returned home, I realized all of the confidence, independence, and life changing experiences I had gained, and was glad to have been introduced to many cultural differences while abroad. Becoming familiar with unfamiliarity was a common occurrence while abroad, which gave me a great open-mindedness to the world around me.
Learning a language in the country where it is spoken is definitely the best way to do it! The amount of practice you receive both in and out of the classroom is well worth the trip. Being able to practice with native speakers, everywhere you go, helps you out a great deal. It is great to be able to be fully immersed in the language while you are learning it, so that you are thinking, reading, writing, and seeing in Spanish, all the time! Even though it is a little challenging at first if you are a complete beginner when you arrive, after spending just a few days in your new country you will be able to understand a lot of the language, and will start to have conversation in that language.
You are right in everything you say about studying abroad, there are so many advantages it is hard to list them all!