Lessons Learned from Abroad by Anna

Lessons Learned from Abroad by Anna - March 2016 Scholarship Essay

As terrifying as it is to leave the comforts of the United States, it is just as thrilling to explore the world beyond these borders. It is also an important part of growing up. Having traveled with a student travel program I understand the priceless value of such an experience. Study abroad programs, especially in college, provide learning experience and lessons that can’t be taught or gained in any other way. I feel as though college students should be required to participate in a study abroad programs in order to graduate college.
There is one crucial reason why I believe study abroad should be mandatory and it is because the world is becoming a smaller place. By this I mean that in today’s day and age each nation has a stronger connection to America than ever before. Whether it is people of other nationalities immigrating to America or Americans immigrating to other nations. Nowadays business is conducted internationally because companies have divisions located in other countries. For instance, Ford Motors has a production plant operating in Mexico. Additionally, companies are making deals and partnering with companies from foreign nations. Majority of professionals will, in some shape or form, be working internationally whether it be working alongside someone of a different nationality or physically conducting business outside of the US. With that being said, students need to be exposed to the rest of the world in order to have at least a simple understanding of the way other nations operate. It also prepares students to become a contributing member of the growing global society.
Additionally, it is well known that Americans can often times offend other cultures. The main reason is we have no concept of other cultures, and we lack the knowledge and understanding of their different believes. If students were required to study aboard, colleges would develop a generation of adults that would be more respectful of other nations. While in a foreign nation, students learn the dos and don’ts of behavior in order to not offend people. Often times these practices can be used throughout the world. Such practices show politeness and respect to those of other nations and include such things as greetings, the way a person eats, or even they way to dress. The more a student understands another culture the less likely they are to offend them. The truth is, as we get older the world becomes more connect and students need to know how respectful interact with others to promote peace and avoid conflict.
Most importantly, study abroad programs instill maturity into students. There is no doubt that some people belief they are mature or that going to college will make them mature. When kids go to college and live without their parents for the first time, a lot of them grow up; however, nothing creates as much maturity as studying aboard. Once again, students are faced with the challenge of living without their parents, but they are also living in a country they know nothing about. That is enough to make someone grow up really quick because they no longer have the comforts of being on their homeland. They are out of their comfort zones, which will cause them to truly act like an adult. The more mature they behave the more respect they will get from the people. They will truly treat them like an adult, which would allow for the students to get more from their experience. They will also be able to accomplish their goals because people will be willing to give them the time of day.
Through my own experience of traveling aboard and hearing friends tell their stories of studying I understand that these experiences teach students irreplaceable lessons. Studying aboard provides students with a learning experience that gives them skills and tools they need to work and live in a shrinking world. Colleges must require these programs in order to prepare students to become influential people in society.