5 Reasons to Study Abroad

Studying abroad; just the phrase itself sounds frightening. Fear is actually the top reason students decide not to take the leap, with the second reason being thinking that it is a waste of time. Surely if one asks anybody that has studied abroad, they will mostly likely tell you it was a life-changing experience for them. Still undecided? These 5 reasons might just change your mind. Spending a semester or two will truly make you a new person.

1. Learn a new language. Everybody knows that the best way to learn a language to be complete 100% immersed into the culture and tongue. You will probably learn more from simple conversation with native speakers than you have three years taking a language class. The language is around you from the time you wake up (on your toothpaste) to the time you fall asleep (watching television).

2. Finding your self. After studying in a different country, one will arrive home with new ideas and beliefs. A new culture and environment almost always challenges one's already established belief and value system. When you are literally within the border of a different culture, say in Rome, you will do as the Romans do. This way, one can embrace new concepts and ideals and let go of others.

3. Enhancing employment opportunities. Our world becomes more globalized by the second and the international market is expanding at an exponential rate. Employers see student differently when they have studied abroad since they have had the chance to develop independent and driven qualities not found in students that remain at home for college all four years. You will be set apart from other applicants, plus you will probably have another language under your belt.

4. Becoming more open minded and globally sophisticated. Americans have the notorious fame around the world for not knowing much about the rest of the world. One can easily break out of that mold and stereotype by studying abroad and taking in new information about a different country. Study abroad students tend to be more informed about international affairs and are less biased towards other countries.

5. Travel. What do most college students want to do, anyway? When you are in a different country, it is natural to want to explore your surroundings. Weekends and breaks from classes are a golden opportunity to hop on the train to Poland or ride your bike across the border to Uruguay. You will most likely be on a different continent than North America and therefore even closer to other places you have probably dreamed of visiting. Some study abroad curriculums even include academic study trips to locations of interest pertaining to the course.