WHY SHOULD STUDENT STUDY ABROAD?

Studying abroad yields academic benefits.

Students who study abroad continue to earn credit towards their degree while overseas. The experiences students have while studying abroad often ignites their interest in academic pursuits, and they return home with an added vigor toward their coursework. Further, while they are overseas, students discover learning in a new way as the higher education systems of other countries differ greatly from those of the United States. In other words, students get a more well-rounded education that better prepares them for this increasingly global world.

Studying abroad provides social and cultural benefits.

When your student studies abroad, he or she will make lifetime friendships with fellow American classmates as well as with native students. The memories and friendships made could last forever and could open your student up to a global network of job prospects and connections. If your student leaves your house shy, it is entirely plausible that he or she will return from studying abroad much less so. Living and studying overseas fosters a sense of teamwork in students — as the group travels together, they experience the challenges of a multicultural situation together. On the other end, students also learn to depend on themselves, how to ask questions and be proactive, and provide and solicit help.

The cultural benefits of studying abroad are more obvious. Spending extended time in a foreign country tends to open students’ eyes wider when they look at the world. They may be more reflective about their own culture and what that culture has instilled in them. Students are likely to have increased respect for other cultures and appreciate the differences between cultures, and this openness to different approaches makes them better problem-solvers and team players.

Studying abroad produces personal benefits.

Students increase their self-confidence when they live and study in a foreign country. They also increase their independence and maturity. In this ever-changing world it is important to have the ability to adapt – an ability that studying abroad can give your student. Students often return home ready to change the world, which is important, as they will be the future leaders of this country. The self-reliance and global sensitivity students gain from studying abroad can help them in their personal and professional pursuits.

Studying abroad enables professional benefits.

Approximately one percent of American students have studied abroad, according to the latest “Open Doors” report by Institute of International Education, so studying abroad can help your student gain a competitive edge when it comes time to start a career. Employers often seek employees with the ability to speak other languages or understand other cultures. Studying abroad is imperative for students who wish to enter international business, and employers look for the skills study abroad students have, such as communication, analytical abilities, teamwork and flexibility. Not to mention that almost everyone who applies for a job these days has a college education. In order to stand out, your student needs to offer something different, and studying abroad achieves that. It cannot be stated enough that ours is a very global economy, and employers and the government alike hold study abroad experiences in high esteem.

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