Students have been crossing boarders -- as well as oceans, in pursuit of learning experiences for thousands of years. They've evolved from serving apprenticeships to craftsmen to studying abroad to broaden their horizons in art, medicine, math and business. Regardless of what the field of study, certain benefits are enjoyed by all:
1. Personal growth. In addition to developing friendships that tend to last a lifetime, other effects of international study are measurable. Learning in the midst of a different culture, often even a different language, can lead to an increase in the ability to comprehend. What's more, college students' overall view of the world evolves to include compassion in areas that didn't impact them on their home soil. Things like self reliance and independence levels are raised in the process.
2. You will represent your country with all that you do. College students abroad are given opportunities to extend diplomacy with every interaction they have. You'll have the opportunity to become what could be some people's first (and maybe only) dealings with an American citizen. While you'll be learning, you could also be teaching at the same time. In the process your world view will change and you'll have a unique opportunity to reflect on your value system.
3. The journey often leads to a shift in career goals. A new and broader perspective gives students a chance to reevaluate their college major before entering the workforce. What's more, up to 64% of respondents attribute their decision to attend graduate school to their time abroad.
In past decades students committed to year-long programs, but the current trend is toward six to ten-week sojourns to other countries. Today's short-term programs do indeed deliver benefits, but the longer a student studies abroad the greater the rewards.
If you are still in college, now is the perfect time to look into the possibility of joining the ranks of those who have studied abroad. Your advisor can counsel you about transferring credits and financial aid, as well as guide you through the application process. What have you got to lose?
1. Personal growth. In addition to developing friendships that tend to last a lifetime, other effects of international study are measurable. Learning in the midst of a different culture, often even a different language, can lead to an increase in the ability to comprehend. What's more, college students' overall view of the world evolves to include compassion in areas that didn't impact them on their home soil. Things like self reliance and independence levels are raised in the process.
2. You will represent your country with all that you do. College students abroad are given opportunities to extend diplomacy with every interaction they have. You'll have the opportunity to become what could be some people's first (and maybe only) dealings with an American citizen. While you'll be learning, you could also be teaching at the same time. In the process your world view will change and you'll have a unique opportunity to reflect on your value system.
3. The journey often leads to a shift in career goals. A new and broader perspective gives students a chance to reevaluate their college major before entering the workforce. What's more, up to 64% of respondents attribute their decision to attend graduate school to their time abroad.
In past decades students committed to year-long programs, but the current trend is toward six to ten-week sojourns to other countries. Today's short-term programs do indeed deliver benefits, but the longer a student studies abroad the greater the rewards.
If you are still in college, now is the perfect time to look into the possibility of joining the ranks of those who have studied abroad. Your advisor can counsel you about transferring credits and financial aid, as well as guide you through the application process. What have you got to lose?
About the Author:
Jim Hart has been the director of academic advising at a medium-sized university for eight years. His interests include student exchange programs, online college graduate degrees, career advising, online degrees in the sciences, and CLEP examinations.
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