Five Reasons to Study Abroad

There is no clear cut answer on whether studying  abroad is the right choice for you. It is hard to make a life changing decision that is full of so many unknowns. However, I have yet to meet anyone who says studying abroad hasn't had a positive impact on their lives. Here are just a few benefits of taking a trip of a lifetime!

Career Opportunities
Studying abroad gives you a cutting edge over your colleagues when it comes to starting out in the workforce . It shows independence, self-motivation, and the ability to adapt to different challenges and situations outside of your comfort zone. In fact, my study abroad experience didn't go unnoticed in my first big job interview after college.

Connections
Studying abroad was a great opportunity to make new connections with students and professors in the host country as well as from different universities in the U.S. You have a connections with this group of people unlike any other group because although you are all from different walks of life you are experiencing new and unfamiliar situations together. Many of these people still keep in contact to help one another whether it is for book drives for school in the host country, future careers, or just friendship.

A New Language
 Learning a new language abroad can be hard at first, but it is much easier to learn a new language where it is used on a day-to-day basis versus an hour and a half lecture three times a week.

Culture
There is no better way to gain exposure and understand cultural differences than firsthand experience. There are many pictures and textbooks you can look at but you truly don't understand it or how you will react to it until you are immersed in it. It goes beyond academia and teaches you different perceptions, beliefs, and customs. Coming from a small town it was eye opening for me and I appreciate the Massai tribe and other locals for showing me their customs.

Personal Growth
Traveling across the world takes effort and a willingness to be open to the unknown or unfamiliar territory. Learning how to afford rent and groceries in college is one thing but it is different when you are doing it alone, across the world. You learn how to become self-reliant and independent.

Increased College Experience
Being in Tanzania, I learned a lot about their socioeconomic status, government, and how their medical system works firsthand. A textbook could never replace walking through the hospitals, speaking with government officials, or meeting the natives. After coming back to the States I am much more aware of how differently our country is governed and ran compared to other countries.

 If studying abroad is something you are interested in there are many options. If you can't make a semester long commitment whether it is due to the duration, class obligations, or financial reasons then I'd recommend a summer abroad. There are also international scholarships available as well as other financial options.