The Benefits of Studying Abroad

An Undergraduate education is one of the most important stepping-stones in an individual's personal and professional life. It provides the student with the necessary information to further their educational goals in life. However, Henry Kaufman and Thomas S. Johnson remind teachers and students that, "They also need international knowledge, language abilities and intercultural communication skills" in addition to the education they receive in an undergraduate program (26). This kind of knowledge can only be obtained through an international study abroad program. Unfortunately, while some schools highly recommend these programs, many are still placing these important programs on the back burner. However, the facts concerning the benefits of a semester abroad would suggest otherwise. Due to these facts and many others, undergraduate students in the United States must be required to complete a semester of study abroad before a degree may be granted.

A semester of study abroad provides student's with an important cultural prospective and knowledge about the differences among others. According to a survey by the Institute for the International Education of Students (IES), 99% of alumni in the study abroad program said it gave them a better understanding of their own "cultural values and biases," 94% stated that the experience "influenced (them) to seek out a greater diversity of friends," and 97% of the surveyed students said the study abroad program, "continues to influence interactions with people from different cultures" (Dwyer and Peters). The ability to respect, communicate, and understand diverse cultures gained through undergraduate study abroad programs are among some of the qualities in high demand in entry level business students. These qualities are also in short supply due to the lack of students currently participating in their university's study abroad program. Jason Fenner of the Office of Research and Science Policy reports that, "30% of large corporations feel they have failed to fully capitalize on their international business opportunities due to insufficient personnel with international skills" (1). Fenner continues by reporting that, "72% of employers feel that colleges need to increase the emphasis on 'Global issues and developments and their implications for the future'" (2). The most effective way to educate undergraduate students in these cross-cultural skills is by placing them in an international environment such as study abroad program, which prepares the student to work effectively with a diverse group of people.

In addition to gaining a powerful international perspective, studying abroad also promotes fluency in a foreign language. Many students take some kind of a foreign language class during their undergraduate years, however, these classes are given in an English-speaking environment and once the foreign language class is dismissed the student is left to spend the remainder of the day speaking their native language, not being challenged in what they just learned. According to the University of Indianapolis, "The best way to learn a language is to be immersed in its culture." In addition, 88% of alumni surveyed by the Institute for the International Education Students (IES) reported that the opportunity to study abroad increased their dedication to learning the language (Dwyer and Peters). Since businesses have an increased need for internationally intelligent employees, the need for students to speak a foreign language is also an issue. A semester of study abroad will help remedy this problem by giving the student full proficiency in their foreign language study. This is one of the main reasons why undergraduate schools must require time abroad in order for the student to graduate.

Another benefit of a mandatory international study program is an increase in the mental maturity level seen when students return to college after their stay. In fact, 98% of students surveyed by the Institute for the International Education of Students stated that studying abroad gave them "increased self-confidence" as well as "served as a catalyst for increased maturity" (Dwyer and Peters). The increases in maturity can be taking initiative when completing an assignment or becoming more globally conscious of the world and how it functions. Learning how to be an active problem solver and pulling away from the norm by participating in an international study abroad program provides students with the mental skills and strength needed to succeed in the business world. This kind of maturity is what corporations seek when hiring an entry-level employee. Most employers want to feel comfortable when hiring, they want to know that their new employee is mature enough and ready to take on the tasks at hand.

Some people may think that requiring a semester of study abroad would vastly increase the cost of undergraduate school, however, this is simply untrue. In fact, the University of Indianapolis notes that, "Study abroad programs tend to be less expensive than study in the United States. CCIS (College Consortium for International Studies) programs range in cost anywhere from $1,350 to $10,750, with the average program cost running between $4,000 and $5,000- cheaper than a semester of tuition at the University." In addition to the affordable costs of many study abroad programs, Universities participating in these programs generally have scholarships and financial aid available if it is needed. Many universities also accept credits earned while studying abroad so the student can continue to work toward their degree while they are away.

Parents of students who choose to study abroad may question the safety of their child while they are away, however, study abroad programs are specifically designed with the health and safety of the student in mind. According to Nick Timiraos of the Wall Street Journal, "Universities say they carefully monitor the risks in hot spots." Timiraos continues to explain that, "If a country becomes unsafe once students are already there, colleges sometimes cancel programs and withdraw participants. This past summer in Lebanon, when the U.S. evacuation wasn't moving fast enough, some schools, including Harvard, Yale, and Princeton, turned to private security firms to get their students and personnel out" (8). There are always risks when a student is taken out of their comfort zone and placed into a position where extensive personal and professional growth will take place, but these risks are significantly minimized by the efforts of the universities and by students educating themselves about the country and they wish to study in.

A semester of study abroad is a healthy and culturally enriching for undergraduate students studying in the United States. It provides the students with valuable life experiences that can be applied to various areas of their life. It also adds a unique understanding of foreign cultures, an understanding that businesses seek to continue their expansion and success on a global level. Requiring each undergraduate student to complete a semester of international study abroad would force students to be better prepared to enter the work force and be a productive member of society.