After a year or two at college you probably feel like you know your college campus inside and out. You know what each building is, the quietest part of the library, and where the wireless internet connection is the strongest. Why would you want to move to a strange campus in a foreign country?
- Learn a Language – If you have ever tried to learn a language, you know that it is almost impossible to become fluent unless you can speak regularly with a native speaker. While you visit a foreign country, you will have opportunity to learn their local language by immersion. This method is faster and better than leaning from a normal class or, even worse, a book.
- Get to Know Another Culture – Studying abroad provides an opportunity to understand another culture better. For example, I have some friends who are currently studying in Israel. When they return, they will have an entirely different perspective on Israeli culture. They will understand the customs and habits unique to that country. In addition, they will have an unusual opportunity to converse with Israelites here in the United States.
- Meet New Friends – Students who study in other countries also have a chance to meet new friends. Many people have made life-long friendships this way. When you return to the US, you can still communicate with the friends you made via mail, email, and Skype.
- Take a Break from Your Normal Routine – The “normal” routine in another country is likely to seem new and unusual to you. The change in the routine can help you to get excited about school and regain your focus. In addition, you will probably be able to take classes that your home college does not offer. This is an excellent opportunity to take classes that you had always wished your school provided.
- Improve Your Resume – Study taken in a foreign country also looks good on a resume. In a world that is quickly becoming globalized, many employers appreciate people who have experienced and understood foreign cultures. In addition, because only 4% of college students study abroad, this foreign experience gives you a unique edge in today’s competitive marketplace.
- Experience a Different Educational System – Many foreign colleges are set up differently than schools in the United States. Some foreign schools are not as focused on grades and are not as expensive as colleges in the states. Do not think that foreign universities are easy and cheap, though! Many foreign professors spend very little one-on-one time with their students, and some professors do not even hold regular office hours! Therefore, studying at a foreign university can be a challenging, but rewarding, learning experience.
- Gain a New Perspective on World Affairs – Studying abroad also gives you an new perspective on world affairs. Events in the country which you have lived in will take on personal significance. Names and places will no longer seem foreign and strange, but they will bring back memories of the times that you visited them. In addition, if you keep in contact with the friends you make while studying abroad, you can learn local events from their perspective rather than from the perspective of some unknown reporter.
- Dispel Stereotypes – While studying abroad, you will have many opportunities to dispel stereotypes. First, you can dispel the stereotypes others have of Americans. While you are there, you are a representative of the US. You have an opportunity to show them what Americans are truly like. In addition, you have an opportunity to dispel any stereotypes that you may have of foreigners. You will be able to see first-hand what the citizens of a foreign country are really like in their native country.
- Understand History Better – Depending on the country you visit, you may witness locations of major historical events. For example, if you visit Berlin, Germany, the history of World War II and the Cold War will take on a new significance. You could visit the location of Hitler’s government, the foundation of the infamous Berlin Wall, and the airstrips where emergency supplies were airlifted in to West Berlin. History will truly “come alive” when you visit the places where these famous, or infamous, historical events occurred.
Read more tips like these at Nate’s blog, Debt-Free Scholar (RSS).
