College students who choose to study abroad for a few weeks, months, or a semester or two will reap the benefits for years to come. Studying abroad offers a unique opportunity to grow academically, professionally, and personally while going on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Experiencing a foreign culture is very different from reading about one. It’s one thing to see a photo of the Western Wall, or to read travel books about Spain. Visiting foreign lands in person, however, is an entirely different experience. When you study abroad, you participate in the day-to-day life of a new locale, gaining a first-hand understanding and new appreciation of the culture.
You may already be fluent in a second language, or you might study abroad in one of the many countries where English is spoken as a first language. However, studying abroad can provide you with a perfect opportunity to learn a new foreign language. Being surrounded by native speakers affords you the chance to immerse yourself in the language, which can expedite your retention and fluency. Furthermore, if you travel to a country in which the primary language is one you’ve studied in school, you can add to your vocabulary.
Many students choose to visit Israel to find out more about their heritage. Reports show that students benefit both personally and academically when they have studied abroad in the country of their family’s origin. In addition, studying abroad is a chance for a student to be adventurous, explore the unknown, and try his hand at activities that may not be offered in Brooklyn, such as riding a camel.
In today’s increasingly global society, it’s important to possess the skills to communicate across cultures and this means understanding more than just a different language. Studying abroad helps you become familiar with the customs and traditions of the country in which you are studying, in addition to the language. By interacting with locals, you can develop an appreciation for the culture and its differences from your own.
When abroad you’re removed from your normal support network. While on the one hand, being away from friends and family can seem daunting, it is also a chance for you to gain independence. Whether it’s washing your laundry or buying groceries, you will learn to take responsibility for your actions. One major aspect of being an independent adult is having the ability to manage your own finances. You’ll also learn about different currency.
You will have the chance to meet new people and form friendships that may last a lifetime. Whether you’re living with a host family or in a student residence, make an effort to form relationships with those around you. Recreation is an important part of the studying abroad experience, and you will likely enjoy sharing your experiences much more than spending time alone.
You can also form professional contacts while abroad. Generally speaking, course loads tend to be comparatively lighter while studying abroad, so this can be an ideal occasion to intern or volunteer while you’re studying. In addition, employers are in tune with the benefits of studying abroad. Research shows that approximately 75% of employers consider it important when evaluating the resume of a job candidate for an entry-level position.
Once your experience is over, keeping in touch with friends on the other side of the world couldn’t be easier thanks to social media.
While there are vast reasons to study abroad, there are only a few deterrents. The most common drawback to foreign study is homesickness. Those who have not spent much time far from home, may find themselves yearning for family and friends. The less outgoing you are, the more of a problem this can be. If you think this will be a huge problem, perhaps traveling abroad is not for you. If you don’t make friends easily, this may also be a problem. In some countries, the locals are warm and inviting, while in others, it might take a little more effort on your part to get to know them. Finally, be sure that the credits you earn in a foreign country transfer to your college. You can talk about this with a college advisor.
If you’re considering a semester abroad but aren’t sure if it’s for you, check out one of the dozens of websites that offer first had accounts of students who have been abroad.
