Studying by Andrew

Andrewof Dodgeville's entry into Varsity Tutor's March 2016 scholarship contest

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Andrew of Dodgeville, WI
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Studying by Andrew - March 2016 Scholarship Essay

I have heard only positive things about studying abroad. As I am a highschool student, I do have exposure to those who have studied abroad (mostly my teachers). The teachers that have studied abroad show how much fun they had and how it has benefitted them. I believe it is a good thing for students to study abroad. Studying abroad opens up an individual's view of the world and it gives students something to take away from their experience. However, it should not be required. For those students that are less out-going, it would be a bad idea.
My biggest concern is the fact that it would be required. Students that do attend college have to pay an enormous fee to do so. They should not have to pay to study abroad if they do not want to. Also, students will not learn as much if they feel as if they are forced to do so. Even those who would have elected to study abroad in the first place will not take as much away from the experience if they are forced to. People are more likely to have open minds if they have a choice in the matter. Forcing students to study abroad is illogical and unethical.
Many students do not want to study abroad because it is out of their comfort level. Throughout the first couple years of college, many students have gotten used to their routine. To throw students out of their routine may very well impact their education. It will be harder for them to learn in a new environment. College is available for students to achieve an education. It should allow students to learn how they are comfortable, whether it is abroad or not.
Given this information, there are upsides to studying abroad being required. Of my teachers, the ones who have traveled abroad seem more well rounded. This is because studying abroad gives students a different perspective of the world. A different perspective of the world can almost exclusively benefit someone's career. Usually students can take something away from their experiences studying abroad. My spanish teacher studied abroad in Mexico. One thing he took away from his experience was a bilingual language system for K-12 schools. It seemed to work very well and he talks about how other schools should try it. All studying abroad programs definitely have something that can be taken away or learned from the experience. For these reasons, I do believe there are upsides to studying abroad.
Studying abroad has the possibility to be a great experience for students. However, as soon as it becomes a requirement, it loses its value. Students will be less willing to participate and in essence, learn.

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