The Benefits of Study Abroad Essay Example

Adelaide, 1992). An overwhelming majority of respondents echoed Valtos’ feeling.

When asked about personal growth, 97 percent said studying abroad served as a catalyst for increased maturity, 96 percent reported increased self-confidence, 89 percent said that it enabled them to tolerate ambiguity, and 95 percent stated that it has had a lasting impact on their world view. Findings also show that study abroad leads to long-lasting friendships with other U. S. students and still impacts current relationships. More than half the respondents are still in contact with U. S. friends met while studying abroad, and 73 percent said the experience continues to influence the decisions they make in their family life.

Alexa Sand (IES Milan, 1989), who is still very close to U. S. friends she met abroad ten years ago, explains, “I think the shared experience of living fully immersed in another culture made these friendships particularly poignant and enduring. ” Intercultural Development Study abroad educators often assert that one of the goals of study abroad is to train future global leaders to be more effective, respectful of other cultures and political and economic systems, and willing to take a stand for the world’s welfare, not just what benefits a specific country.

The survey findings indicate that study abroad is succeeding in its mission. When questioned about intercultural development, 98 percent of respondents said that study abroad helped them to better understand their own cultural values and biases, and 82 percent replied that study abroad contributed to their developing a more sophisticated way of looking at the world. “ The experience of living and studying in another country was so eye-opening

… [it] tested preconceptions and habits I wasn’t even aware were so ingrained in me,” says Cynthia Perras (IES Paris, 1981).

It is significant to note that these intercultural benefits are not fleeting but continue to impact participants’ lives long after their time abroad. Almost all of the respondents (94 percent) reported that the experience continues to influence interactions with people from different cultures, and 23 percent still maintain contact with host-country friends. Ninety percent said that the experience influenced them to seek out a greater diversity of friends, and 64 percent said that it also influenced them to explore other cultures. It has been nearly ten years since I was a student in Vienna, but not a single day goes by where its impact is not felt in my life,” says Jason Thornberg (IES Vienna, 1994). “My time there fundamentally changed how I view the world and has given me the ability to view the world, and its issues, from several perspectives.

” Education and Career Attainment “My semester [abroad] launched me into a personal and professional involvement with Spain that has already lasted 25 years. A political science lecture in Madrid about U. S. nd Spanish involvement in an obscure war in Sahara … led to a graduate fellowship to Spain and North Africa, which led to work as a foreign correspondent based in Spain,” says Gary Abramson (IES Madrid, 1978). It is noteworthy that the majority of respondents gave academic and professional accounts similar to Abramson’s. When questioned about academic pursuits, 87 percent of respondents said that study abroad influenced subsequent educational experiences, 63 percent said that it influenced their

decision to expand or change academic majors, and 64 percent reported that it influenced their decision to attend graduate school.

Nearly half of all respondents have engaged in international work or volunteerism since studying abroad. “ An entire range of professional opportunities have opened up to me in recent years, partly due to the skills and internship experiences I gained,” adds Joydeep Sengupta (IES Madrid, 1998). Similar to Sengupta’s experience, three-quarters of respondents asserted that they acquired skill sets abroad that influenced their career path, and 62 percent said that studying abroad ignited an interest in a career direction pursued after the experience. Longer Stays Mean Greater Benefits

Consistent with national study abroad statistics, the survey found that students are generally studying abroad for a shorter duration, with the number of full-year students declining dramatically. In the 1950s and 1960s, 72 percent of respondents studied for a full year, but only 20 percent of respondents did so in the 1990s. The number of students studying for less than 10 weeks tripled from the 1950s and 1960s to the 1990s. For many years, conventional wisdom in the study abroad field has been that “more is better”—the longer students study abroad, the more significant the academic and cultural development and personal growth benefits.

According to survey results, the “more is better” idea holds true. However, results of the study also suggest that programs of at least six weeks in duration can also be enormously successful in producing important academic, inter- and intra-personal, career, and intercultural development outcomes. These findings are significant considering the current national increase in students attending shorter programs. Students attending full-year, semester,

and summer programs all report the following benefits: Enhancing the Study Abroad Experience

Although all students benefit from the study abroad experience, there are a few choices that students can make that have the potential to increase their long-term language and career benefits. Continued language usage was greatest among respondents who lived in a homestay, with 42 percent saying they now use a language other than English on a regular basis. Students who lived in an apartment or a residence hall with local students reported results slightly lower than homestay participants (38 and 32 percent respectively).

However, the results of those who lived in an apartment with other U. S. students lagged far behind the rest, with only 18 percent reporting that they use a foreign language on a regular basis. Importance of Internships For students who hope to gain the most career impact from study abroad, results indicate that they should choose an internship as part of their curriculum. Remarkably, 70 percent of intern respondents reported that study abroad ignited interest in a career direction pursued after the experience, compared to 60 percent of non-intern respondents.

In addition, 83 percent said that it allowed them to acquire skill sets that influenced their career path, compared to 75 percent who did not intern. Although there is not always a significant statistical difference between students who attended local university classes and those who did not, it is important to mention that students who attended courses at the local university did experience greater long-term language benefits and were more likely to work or volunteer abroad than their counterparts. The biggest difference between the two

groups is in the area of relationships.

Of those who attended local university classes, 31 percent still maintain contact with host-country friends, compared to 16 percent of respondents who did not study at the local university. A Lifetime of Benefits Few other experiences in life have proven to net such a positive and sustainable impact. With study abroad offering so many life-changing and enduring academic, career, intercultural, personal, and social benefits, students should carefully consider studying abroad when searching for a college and during their collegiate career.

Students should question potential colleges about the study abroad programs they offer and find out how competitive the application process is and if grades and financial aid transfer. In addition, colleges, parents, and employers should encourage and enable students to study abroad. As Michael Preziosi (IES Madrid, 1978) says, “My wife and I feel so strongly about the value of this experience that we have told our two daughters that a semester abroad while at college is an absolute requirement for each of them. It is not an experience to be missed. For many students, going away to college is the first time that they will live away from their parents or hometown. University life affords freedom, independence, and an opportunity to gain life skills that will be used throughout life. However, while this is certainly a major event, getting the most out of your college experience may involve goingbeyond your university’s campus. Off-campus volunteer and work opportunities may be the farthest you’ll want to venture from your college campus. But you may want to consider studying abroad.

Studying abroad offers a unique opportunity to grow academically, professionally, and personally while

going on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. There are a number of other benefits to studying abroad; however, there are also numerous challenges. Consider the pros and cons, and decide if studying abroad may be right for you. Why Should I Study Abroad? 1. Experience a Foreign Culture It’s one thing to see a photo of Machu Picchu, or to read a travel memoir about the bustling streets of Mumbai. 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. 2. Improve Your Second Language Skills 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 colloquial words and phrases that may not appear in the textbooks. 3. Explore Your Own Heritage Students whose familial heritage stems from abroad will often choose to explore their ethnicity and ancestry. In fact, reports show that minority students benefit both personally and academically when they have studied abroad in the country of their family’s origin. 4. Pursue an Activity You Wouldn’t at Home

Studying abroad is a chance for you to be adventurous, explore

the unknown, and try your hand at activities that may not be offered in your home state. For example, if you’re studying abroad in Argentina, you can try numerous adventure sports, from zip-lining, to rafting, to mountain biking. If you enjoy heights, you can try paragliding. No matter what you choose, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience. [pic] 5. Learn How to Communicate Across Cultures 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. 6. Become More Independent Studying abroad removes you from the normal support network that you are accustomed to back home. While on the one hand, being away from friends and family can seem daunting, it is also a chance for you to hone your own skills and gain some independence.

Whether it’s washing your laundry or buying groceries, you will learn to take responsibility for your actions. When you return home, your increased independence will be very useful – it can help you in your job search, at home, or in your day-to-day routines. 7. Manage Your Own Finances One major aspect of being an independent adult is having the ability to manage your own finances. Regardless of whether your study abroad program is financed by a scholarship, grant, or another source of income, chances are that it will be your responsibility to pay

the bills.

Furthermore, living in a new country also forces you to learn to understand a new form of currency, and familiarize yourself with the various living expenses. Understanding how to manage your expenses will especially be beneficial when you no longer rely on the support of your family. 8. Increase Your Employment Prospects Employers value prospective candidates with international experience, foreign language skills, and the ability to communicate across cultures. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in international relations, diplomacy, or government, these skills will be especially useful.

Use your experience studying abroad to expand your set of abilities, and make these a determining factor that will separate you from the others in a pool of applicants. 9. Form New and Rewarding Relationships Without your regular support group of friends and family, you will be confronted with new situations on a daily basis. However, studying abroad offers you 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.

Not only will you have someone around to console you when you are feeling homesick, but you will also get to know people that you can have fun with. Recreation is an important part of the studying abroad experience, and you will likely enjoy sharing your experiences much more than spending your time alone. 10. Network for Your Future In addition to making friends, 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, work part-time,  or volunteer while you’re studying.

Consult your college or university to see whether they help you find internships or work placements abroad. Sometimes, you can even get credit from your home institution. When you’re finished working abroad, be sure to ask for a recommendation letter to testify that you worked abroad, and to share with future prospective employers. [pic] Challenges to Consider Though there are a myriad of benefits to foreign study, consider some of the drawbacks before you decide whether it’s right for you: • Homesickness Can Occur Frequently. If you have never spent much time far from home, this could be a serious issue.

You may find yourself yearning for the people you left back home, and the less outgoing you are, the more of a problem this can become. • Academic Programs Abroad May Be Less Rigorous. Of course, this comes down to where you currently study and the program in question. Ask other students who have participated in the program you’re interested in to see if it will be worthwhile from an academic standpoint. • It May Be Difficult to Get to Know Locals. In some countries, the locals will be warm and inviting, while in others, it might take a little more effort to make friends.

If you’re concerned, find out in advance how Americans are typically received and treated in the area. • You May Experience Culture Shock – When You Return Home. Once you become used to a foreign environment, your home might actually seem foreign to you. This effect will be most notable when returning from countries where cultural differences from your home are

numerous. • Programs Can Be Expensive. While there are study abroad scholarship opportunitiesspecifically designed for students who wish to study abroad, you may not be eligible. Is it worth racking up more student loan debt?

If you don’t qualify for a scholarship, weigh the pros and cons to make the best decision, and be sure to expand your search – consult government-sponsored initiatives for further grants, if possible. • Credits May Not Transfer. If you’re planning to conduct research abroad, be sure to mention it to your college or university, as you may be able to transfer credits to your home institution. However, credits may not always transfer. This may not matter to some students, but to others it could be vital – especially when you consider the financial costs. Should You Study Abroad?

For those who have not traveled extensively, studying abroad may be an ideal opportunity to seek adventure with the support network of an established program. Students who wish to learn a foreign language – or develop existing foreign language skills – and immerse themselves in a new culture will also find it beneficial. Furthermore, students considering a career in international relations should definitely study abroad, as it can increase job prospects upon graduation. In contrast, however, studying abroad is less suitable for students who have strong attachments to their hometown and are wary of being far apart from family and friends.

Some universities also have strict requirements in place, restricting study abroad programs to students who meet a minimum GPA. Lastly, it’s imperative that students who cannot afford to go abroad do not take on additional debt. The desire to

travel abroad may be great, but it would be best to wait until you have the financial means to do so. You can stick to cheap international travel destinations, or perhaps someday become an ESL teacher abroad. [pic] Final Word As a student, you are likely young and fairly unattached.

When weighing the costs against the benefits, consider whether you’ll have a similar opportunity to travel abroad in the future. Chances are that now is the ideal time to go. However, in spite of the many reasons to consider studying abroad, keep in mind the possible challenges and expenses, and carefully weigh your options before making a final decision. Furthermore, consult your advisors and professors, as well as friends and family, for advice – especially if they have participated in a similar program before. Have you studied abroad? What tips would you suggest to make the experience, and the decision to go, easier?