Georgia by Amelia

Georgia by Amelia - March 2016 Scholarship Essay

Although a study abroad is a very educational and useful experience for most students, it would be unreasonable to require all college students to study abroad. Students may have variety of reasons to abstain from study abroad programs. Many students simply would prefer to study at the college they chose to attend or do not want to leave their friends and families. Some students may find it inconvenient and stressful to acquire a new language and become familiar with a new culture in order to prepare for a study abroad while also going to school. However, the primary reason why students cannot be required to study abroad is because many have financial reasons for remaining where they are.
Many students have jobs that are their primary means of paying for college, and a study abroad would mean leaving their job and going a semester without an income, or only picking up odd jobs in an unfamiliar area. For most of these students, simply paying for transportation and living costs abroad would be a struggle. Some students could seek the help of scholarships, but for many, the costs would simply be too much.
Additionally, some students would not be able to leave because they are the primary source of income for their family, and may have family members who need frequent care that the student provides, which would not be available if the student were to study abroad. As young adults, many college students have started families and have children who need care and supervision, or have aging parents or grandparents who rely on the student to be their primary caretaker.
The benefits of a study abroad are undeniable, but for many students, unreachable. Colleges should be encouraged to promote study abroad programs and scholarship opportunities for participating students, but there are far too many obstacles preventing students from studying abroad to effectively mandate that each student participate in such a study during their college years.