An Option, Not An Obligation by Alexandra

An Option, Not An Obligation by Alexandra - March 2016 Scholarship Essay

I often have to snap myself out of the pipe dreams I have about being asked to travel, always fantasizing about jetting around the world to places of all different sorts. Immersing myself in cultures and lives very unlike my own, all while continuing my education and growing as a person is an absolute dream. But despite how strongly I yearn, I was never able to participate in trips abroad through my school. There are any number of things that can be a barrier for those ambitions. Whether it be financial issues, family life, or disabilities, these struggles make mandatory studying abroad undesirable.
It is guaranteed that there would be more than enough students who would love to study abroad. In spite of this, many students would not be able to participate because it is unlikely that all will meet financial requirements. Paying for college alone is already a colossal plight for many. With an added cost of excursion, even for a short period of time, could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Aside from bumping up college tuition, a study abroad requirement could keep students out of jobs for too long. Working is very crucial to most during their college career in order to pay college fees and standard cost of living. There will always be some people who can afford these trips, however in a country where getting a college education is already hard for the majority, a mandatory trip abroad can make college seem even further out of reach.
Although money is the biggest factor for most, there are plenty more specific reasons that would make it hard for people. A big one would be disabilities, mental or physical. Those with disabilities already face a plethora of hassles in living at a University. To force those students to travel may put them in undesirable or even dangerous situations, as their needs may not be accommodated. Another group that a study abroad requirement would exclude are older students who have children. Students with children are already doing a magnificent job of juggling priorities, however they would be forced to have to leave their children or manage to travel with them. For many, those circumstances would add an incredible amount of unneeded stress. With all these factors working against it, it might take all appeal away from the idea. Students who might have been interested in traveling previously may not like the sound of it if it becomes essential. All the fun and unique adventures that are supposed to come with this kind of program would be replaced with disdain and indifference.
In a country where getting a college education is already almost too hard and getting harder, a mandatory trip abroad could put students back against the wall. Aside from the fact that most would come short financially and fall even further into maddening debt, there are specific groups of people who have other factors that could truly put them out of reach. Study abroad programs are a wonderful opportunity for those who can participate. Being such a fantastic option to have, making it obligatory would be a nightmare.