Writing 122
It has become common for many people to opt for studies abroad because of diversity of cultures and the perception of attaining quality education, given that people of different races, social classifications and backgrounds converge in pursuit of education. The education system is designed in a manner that suits the values of almost all individuals of different cultural backgrounds. Many people believe that studying abroad enables them to explore several avenues that are not found within their countries of origin. People make new friend with whom they share common educational aspects while learning and embracing varying norms and ways of life. Such friendships tend to last longer because they are established on solid grounds.
Studying abroad is effective because students are prepared for various challenges that they may face in life while in the process of acquiring a job. They obtain technical expertise in various sectors of global economy (Benson 148). Studying abroad considers the fact that cultural complexity cannot be avoided, but ensures that a balance is struck within the academic structure. Academic institutions abroad instil aaaaa cultural appreciation and value attachment to all individuals regardless of their races. In addition, students gain access to the laws and regulations of different nations because of their daily interaction with their colleagues and teachers. Moreover, studying abroad enables an individual to identify himself or herself with a second language (Benson 18). A Chinese studying in America, for instance, will easily learn and identify with American English. This is an added advantage of studying abroad.
The attraction of studying abroad is the fact that individuals get to meet and experience people of diverse cultures. This is exposure gives them an upper hand when venturing into the global job market after completing their studies. It is important to appreciate the fact that due to globalization, the job market demands cultural exposure to fit in. The ability to establish strong and business networks attracts many individuals to study abroad’ which increases their chances of getting employment opportunities in multinational companies. Most employers perceive people who studied abroad to be exposed to a wider range of perspectives in the employment sector (Herren 66)
The effectiveness of studying abroad and getting an exposure can be measured through assessing the ability of international student to speak a foreign language, their flexibility to adopt a new environment and also interracial marriages. Adoption of new cultures is also a way of measuring the effectiveness of studying abroad (Ziegler 40). One gets so accustomed and attracted to other people’s culture that he or she decides to marry a person from that culture. This presents a great opportunity to foster global integration and peace.
Apart from exposure to diverse cultures, one also gets an exposure to diverse skills. This is another advantage studying abroad instead of studying in a local institution. One gets to acquire skills and have varied experiences that are never gotten within the confines of his or her country. People who study abroad confesses that there is a lot more to learn while abroad compared to when they could be in their own countries. There are many experiences outside classroom that enable someone to see the broader picture of life with its diversities. It may not be possible to have these experiences while one is in their own country. The fact that a foreign learning institution is a pool of diverse culture, it is more challenging and interesting at the same time (Williamson 48).
Someone is able to discover new abilities and strengths. This could not have been possible in the local institution back at home. There are always new challenges that crop up as one tries to adjust to the new environment. Some of the situations encountered are new and one is unfamiliar with them. It means that one will have to adjust their way of thinking and problem solving skills. In the process, new skills and abilities are discovered. One just finds out that they are more equipped with people management skills as well as problem solving techniques. These may not be discovered while in a local institution where one is familiar with the culture and environment around them (Wendy 48).
Studying abroad gives one the opportunity to interact with many people and in the process make friends. Students in these learning institutions come from all corners of the world, including one’s home country. Since there are many challenges and the environment is new, one will obviously want to attach themselves to other people so as not to feel lonely. This could be people in the same class or during interactive activities within the institution. Such friends usually stick closer and for longer, even after their time of study in the foreign country. Such closeness presents a pool of opportunities to an individual as these people come from diverse cultures and set ups. This can connect one to good job opportunities in their countries which may later open other great doors of opportunities. Through these friends, one may even begin international businesses by exporting and importing goods and thus get better sources of income.
One also gets the opportunity to evaluate his or her cultural background and consider whether it still makes sense in their lives. This is usually a continuous process of evaluation during the whole duration of staying and studying in the foreign country. The experiences are very challenging and require one to be careful and adjust only that which is necessary. This will make them get to know what they really stand for as individuals. More often than not, people get to discard part of their belief and value systems that no longer make sense to them. Some even go to the extent of abandoning their old values completely and embrace new concepts. It is true that some cultural values may not be contributing positively to one’s life. This readjustment usually makes one to align himself or herself to what appears to add value in life and career hence become better (Steven 23).
In addition to helping students understand themselves, studying abroad also helps one to understand others. These are many cultures represented in these institutions. Students have different beliefs and value systems. It is a fact that no two cultures are identical and so it means that everyone is unique in his or her way. At first, one may find it strange to see people behaving differently from what they know or perceive to be right. It may take some time of discomfort and misunderstanding within the campus environment. After some time though, one gets to understand why certain people behave in certain ways, which are different from theirs. During the times of interactions, people share ideas and life experiences; they share what their cultures are and what they uphold as values in life. Students also get to understand different spiritual beliefs. For example, Muslims get to understand why Christians believe Jesus is the Messiah (Debbie 23). This understanding breeds respect for diversity and bridges religious gaps which enables a peaceful coexistence among people of varied religious backgrounds.
Studying abroad gives one the opportunity to break out of routine academic programs. Most of these institutions offer one the opportunity to maximize their potential in academic achievement. Since there are many cultures presented and students with unique careers to achieve, the programs in these institutions are customized to fit the needs of the students. It is true that there are many courses that are offered within the institutions. Here, the advantage is the variety of the courses on offer, unlike in local universities where many courses are designed for the local job market and therefore offer nothing much as far as variety is concerned.
There are many courses that one may not get the opportunity to pursue in their local campuses. A student can major in a course that opens job opportunities for him or her back home and minor in a course that would give him or her an opportunity in a foreign country. Therefore, studying abroad gives one the opportunity to add value to their degree. These students are more diverse in their career opportunities hence, they can do multiple jobs. Students who study abroad fit very well in the new global market where employers look for diverse workforce. They can also set up their own businesses running concurrently with their jobs. For example, someone who studied finance as a major and entrepreneurship as a minor can be employed as a financial analyst and at the same time run his own business, and hence, be more successful. Also, someone who studied hotel management and French can get employment in France as an hotelier (Michael, Andrew & Cohen 20).
With continued interactions, students adjust to accept people for who they are. Friendship also becomes stronger as they get to understand each other. In the end, one is able to have cultural acceptance, develops an open mind and wider perspective in life. Students hence develop respect for one another. They will be keen not to do or say things that hurt others and their value systems. They will therefore want to appreciate others and their contributions into their lives. This is the basis of strong relationships and peaceful coexistence. It is especially important in the current world system where there is globalization. People are no longer confined in their countries or continents but travel the world. It is not strange to find companies having workforce with more than four culture composition. The experience from abroad helps one a great deal to know how to interact with others of different backgrounds. They will be able to know to what extent they should interact and what to say and do that will not hurt others. This is also important in the daily life because one develops a high sensitivity to others around them and chooses to see the positive in them.
While studying abroad is generally a good thing, some students may adopt behavior that goes centrally to their traditions or religious teachings. The freedom that comes with being miles away from parents and other family members may be misused. Some students might engage in immoral or illegal practices like prostitution and drugs. Others may fail to take their academic work seriously. But these negative aspects cannot in any way outweigh the benefits of studying abroad. Only a few will derail their focus from studies abroad and tis should not be a reason to stop people from studying abroad. Doing so would not only limit people from embracing diversity, but it would also lower global economic growth (Ziegler 41)
In light of the above, it is an indisputable fact that people who study abroad become more successful. Studying abroad gives one an edge, making people who study abroad become relatively more successful that those who study in their home countries. New skills, new cultures, new business partners and friends, new languages; all these wrapped in one is a perfect combination for someone just entering the ever competitive global job market. He or she will have an obvious advantage over one whose skills, culture and exposure during the time of study were confined within his or her home country.
Work cited
Debbie, C Reasons to Study Abroad, 01 October 2013, Texas A & M University, Web. 11 November 2013. <http/www.tamuk.edu/intpro/whystudyabbroad.html>.
Maieli, Steven, Study abroad offers many advantages- and GI Bill can cover it, 04 October 2013, Navy Times, web. 11 November 2013. <http/www.navytimes.com/article/20131004/EDU02/310040024.html>.
Paige, Micheal R., and Andrew, Cohen D. Maximizing Study Abroad. Minneapolis: Cengage, 2006.
Williamson, Wendy. Study Abroad 101. NY: Agapy LLC, 2008.
Hi Donghwan,
You do a very good job of using good support for your points.
In addition to my margin comments, when you revise, be sure that you address each point exhaustively before moving on to the next. Also, be sure you offer an analysis after you make your point and back it up with support. This is how you create that web of connecting ideas. This is how you show the reader that each point directly supports the reason in your enthymeme.
Be sure you have a solid enthymeme in place before starting to revise.
Also, your oppositional paragraph needs to be expanded; you need to spend some time refuting it.
Work on overall organization to tighten up your essay. I see a few spots where syntax could be improved. I wonder about some of your paraphrases The diction in them sometimes sounds so different from your other writing, I wonder if you’re using direct quotations. Be sure to enclose them in quotation marks if so.
Again, very nice job on presenting a deep consideration of your topic and using solid support. Good work!
Johnnie
