The Benefits of Study Abroad 1. To see the world. Another country has different buildings, museums and institutions than the United States does. Once in that location, students also can travel to neighboring regions. 2. Education Other nationalities have a different view of the world which is reflected in their educational system. American students studying in these institutions broaden their educations through exposure to this world view. 3. Experience a new culture Study abroad includes more than museums and textbooks. It exposes students to the food, customs and traditions of the host country. This perspective is greatly strengthened when students opt to live with host families. 4. Improve your second language skills Residence in another country provides immediate and constant practice of second language skills. The local market, doctor's office, taxi driver and rail station enable students to communicate and enhance what has been learned in a classroom setting. 5. Increase career opportunities Employers rate international study abroad highly for prospective employees because the experience forces students out of their comfort zones, thereby developing leadership and confidence. 6. Find new interests Cricket, tango dancing, mahjong and boules are not past-times that one finds in most American communities. However, residence abroad leads to new experiences and some of those may lead to a new past-time or leisure interest. 7. Make lifelong friends Study abroad opportunities provide multiple ways to meet new people, either from other students participating in the trip, members of a homestay program, foreign faculty and so on. Social networking makes it easy to maintain these friendships and these connections can provide valuable networks. 8. Personal Development Developing new areas of competence and adjusting to new circumstances builds confidence. This new-found confidence leads to leadership skills. \9. Graduate school admission Graduate school admission is competitive. The admisssion office sees study abroad as a seminal experience for students in terms of their personal development and knowledge of the larger world. This adds a richness and confidence to their application which would not have been as pronounced without the experience. 10. Life Experience The undergraduate years provide an ideal time in life for study abroad. Once graduated students will have the responsibilities of graduate school, professional life, family and so on which may make study abroad less feasible. |
Former Study Abroad Students
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