Once you've gotten through the first year at your home university, you probably feel like you finally know all the buildings on campus, can find your way around town, know which professors to avoid, which dining hall is busiest at lunch, and of course, have made plenty of friends. So why leave this cozy little environment you've created for yourself just to go back to being the new kid on the block? Because your experience abroad is definitely worth the few trials and tribulations of starting over!
Think of study abroad as just an extension of your studies at your home university. Your time away should be an integrated part of your four-year undergraduate academic plan. When you go abroad, you will likely take courses that, in some way, build on or add to the courses you are taking at your home university. Study abroad is also a great time to begin independent research projects. Increasing numbers of students conduct research abroad and then work with faculty members when they return to convert their projects into senior theses.
The top ten reasons to go abroad
For those of you who don't want to be bothered with lengthy explanations about the wonders of studying away from home, here's the abbreviated argument for studying abroad:
- You learn about yourself in new ways and gain self-confidence, independence, and cross-cultural skills.
- Studying abroad changes your perspective on the world. You're introduced to new cultures and a new way of life.
- Studying abroad changes your perspective on the United States. You experience an educational system different from that of the U.S. and learn how other cultures and countries view the U.S. You may even learn what it means to be an "American" and what makes life in the U.S. different from life abroad.
- You can earn home university course credit in many countries. You may be able to fulfill graduation requirements. Some programs may correspond nicely with your major or minor.
- Studying abroad gives you a unique opportunity to learn another language or improve your existing language skills, as well as meet your home university's foreign language requirements.
- Studying abroad is flexible! You can find programs that work with your curriculum and time schedule. You don't even need to know another language. And lots of programs are out there, so you can find one that works for you.
- You increase your career opportunities in the global marketplace. Most employers prefer to hire graduates with some abroad experience. If you've traveled and can show you're knowledgeable about the world, you have the competitive edge.
- A semester, summer, or year abroad can give you the opportunity to participate in an international internship and gain hands-on experience in a foreign country.
- You meet some great new friends and people you never would have encountered if you stayed in the U.S. Some of them may be lifelong friends who will invite you to visit them again. You may even find yourself "adopted" by your host family.
- Travel to see places you've only dreamed about! You get to experience cities and countries you've only seen in books, on TV, on postcards, or in films.
Ready, set, grow!
Studying abroad definitely challenges you on a personal level. Whether you consciously realize it or not, you develop a greater self-confidence, independence, and self-reliance. By the time you return home, you may feel like a super hero: You can do anything!
From Study Abroad For Dummies Copyright © 2004 by Wiley Publishing, Inc. Indianapolis, Indiana. All Rights Reserved. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
