By Autumn Clancy
Studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students to explore the world. No matter where you decide to study, students can learn more about themselves, experience different cultures and perspectives, have career advantages and make new lifelong friends.
Although some will argue that studying abroad is expensive, it can be the same price as if you were studying in the United States. Most colleges and universities, like Springfield College, partner with international programs. This way, students are billed tuition from their regular university, and their financial aid package will still apply. The only out-of-pocket expenses would be for food and transportation, but several scholarships are available to all U.S. undergraduate students, including the Fund for Education Abroad Scholarship, to cover these costs. Study abroad advisors will work with students to create an affordable plan.
Studying abroad enhances perspective by exposing one to different foods, traditions, languages, beliefs and cultures. You will be able to learn new cultures and traditions by experiencing them firsthand. Meghan Godfrey, an alumnus of Springfield College with a degree in psychology, describes how she used to take things for granted However studying abroad helped her realize how fortunate she was because not everyone had the same opportunities. Daily communication and interaction with the local people will help to diversify and expand your perspective; you might even learn a new language. These experiences allow students to learn how to work with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
Studying abroad significantly affects your ability to grow as a person, including independence and adaptability. According to a survey from the Institute of Education Sciences, 96 percent of study abroad students reported an increase in self-confidence, and 84 percent stated that studying abroad “had a lasting impact on their worldview.” By constantly putting yourself in challenging situations, you can step outside of your comfort zone and discover yourself. Studying abroad, by yourself or with friends will enhance your problem-solving skills, decision-making, and responsibility. AnnaMarie Houlis, a former study abroad journalism student in Morocco, says she still stays in touch with and travels with her study abroad friends. Becoming more open-minded and adjusting to your new situation is another key component of studying abroad. Kellie Stanton, a student from the University of Denver studying abroad in Spain, is ecstatic to make new friends, study in a different environment, learn a new language, travel to several countries and make long-lasting memories.
Studying abroad will help you gain independence and new perspectives, and has several career advantages. Being culturally adaptable and being able to understand people of diverse backgrounds only gives you the upper hand when it comes to finding a job. Studying abroad helps to create an international network of relationships and connections with possible employers. Studies have shown that students who study abroad find jobs faster post-graduation, have higher starting salaries, and have higher acceptance rates for graduate school, compared to those who do not study abroad. According to Frank Abate, a division manager for JM&A Group (an automotive insurance company), studying abroad is crucial for understanding different cultures. He claims that studying abroad increases your creativity and flexibility, essential skills in the competitive work environment we experience today.
Studying abroad has many benefits, including: gaining independence, perspective, responsibility, experiencing different cultures, and having career advantages. Are you ready to go on an adventure and explore the world?
Photo courtesy of Springfield College