Studying Abroad
The idea of studying abroad is a thrilling and sometimes frightening experience to many. Some are apprehensive at the thought, while others cannot wait to see what countries are willing to have them. Much like any other big decision, there are pros and cons to the idea of studying abroad. It does appear that it is a more positive than a negative decision for most. Students get to experience a different culture firsthand, likely learn a new language, and even for lifelong friendships with individuals they would not have otherwise met when studying abroad.
Experiencing a new or foreign culture is possible in many ways. You can meet an individual from a different culture in your own town. You can read about a different culture in a book, watch a film, or even take a class. Few, however, have the opportunity to learn about a new culture by being immersed in it. It is one thing to see pictures of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, or the Great Wall of China, but it another to see these marvels for yourself, all while taking in the food, language, and day-to-day life of the people in different cultures. These are things that cannot be taught in photos, memoirs, or classes. Oftentimes, we forget that some things are simply learned by living and a part of the college experience can be significantly enriched by taking the learning experience to a different location. This will allow the student to gain a new appreciation for a different culture, but also begin to understand it in a different way. Furthermore, the student will be able to participate in cultural practices, which is simply not possible behind a desk in their home country.
Many things come with experiencing a new culture, and perhaps one of the most indispensable is that of learning or improving upon a second language. Students who are already learning a second language may study in a country where English is spoken as a second language, or a first language. In either case, the immersion allows the student to begin brushing up on any language skills they may be lacking. Students who do not have any bilingual skills are encouraged to travel to countries that speak English as a first language. This does not mean learning a second language is not possible, as it is very possible to learn a second language in any of these countries as one is surrounded by bilingual students and educators. Studying abroad is opens the opportunity for any student to begin learning the language of their choice, provided they choose the appropriate campus and country that suites their needs. It is a skill that can benefit an individual professionally and personally for the rest of their lives.
When a student studies abroad, they also meet people they obviously would not at home. Having the opportunity to meet individuals they would not otherwise connect with is an opportunity to form rewarding relationships with new people. Being away from familiar support systems like family and friends often compels students to seek out new support systems; studying abroad is a challenge and support is needed. While the task of making new friends in a new country can be daunting, these are connections that may end up lasting the rest of one’s lifetime. A student’s host family often provides above adequate support while the individual is studying, and in many cases, students maintain relationships with these families after they have left their host country. Through the host family, it becomes easier to form friendships with students and those in the neighborhood, and these relationships can also last a lifetime. A sense of global support ensues and while this is, of course, a sufficient perk to studying in a foreign country, meeting new people abroad can also help expand one’s ability to communicate cross-culturally, and increase one’s employment opportunities.
Of course there are minor drawbacks to studying abroad. If one is unable to connect with their surroundings or others, the loneliness can be insurmountable and result in depression and other serious side effects. Grades can suffer, and the entire experience can be lost because of this. Students must approach it with a positive mindset in order to make it work. Studying abroad is also very expensive. Depending on which country you choose, as well as which city, students will have to cope with their living expenses, or cope with placing the burden on their parents. This can be difficult on top of expensive education. Studying abroad can also be dangerous for some. Some course, especially science and medical courses are also not expected worldwide, meaning they will not transfer to your host school if you have already taken them in the United States. This can be aggravating.
In sum, there are many positive aspects to studying abroad, as long as one is prepared and does their homework on the topic. Students are able to experience foreign cultures for themselves and learn about different people’s lives firsthand. They are also able to learn a new language and improve retention skills based on the immersion factor. Finally, new friendships can be formed that may last the rest of the student’s life. Of course there are cons to studying abroad. Students may become lonely, studying abroad is expensive, and not all courses will be accepted abroad. It is important to approach studying abroad with a positive attitude and be prepared for expenses, as well as course changes when making a big decision such as this.
