Beyond Books and Borders by Autumn

Beyond Books and Borders by Autumn - March 2016 Scholarship Essay

Earth, the only planet that supports human life, is filled with seven proclaimed wonders, yet why should students and all of humanity explore just these seven popular wonders, when every crevasse, every crack, every crater posses a hidden jewel, a hidden artifact, a hidden journey? There are miles of land from the rolling hills of Ireland to the desert sands in Africa; gallons of water that surround the continents from the peninsula of India to the coast of Australia; and thousands of cultures across national borders waiting to be discovered, explored, and unveiled. So why should a student be held back from an experience such as studying abroad? I believe that every college student should be required to study abroad because an opportunity like this comes once in a lifetime; an opportunity like this can be so rewarding, eye opening, and sensational.
To start off, studying abroad may be too costly for full time students, making them shy away from these programs. However within many colleges and universities the cost to study abroad is included in the semesters tuition price. If the price is still too intimidating there are scholarships and financial aid out there for students, giving them the chance to have an amazing experience abroad.
Continuing, traveling to a foreign country during college provides students with a once in a life time opportunity, as mentioned before; students may travel in a group with classmates as opposed to by themselves when they graduate college. Many institutions have “sister schools” in specific countries, providing students with secure housing and meals as they wander wisely throughout the country while furthering their education in a new setting. If “sister schools” are not available for students, study abroad programs will arrange a safe environment for the student with a host family. Studying abroad as a college student offers secure and safe living situations while still granting students enough freedom to discover themselves in a new culture and to discover the world beyond the United States of America.
Furthermore traveling to another country during a semester, summer, or year of college opens up a new window for students to encounter the amazing people, places, and animals that inhabit the Earth. Students are rewarded by learning about new cultures and lifestyles as they step foot onto a foreign land; these encounters and communications could help them not only socialize back at home, but aid them in their studies and securing a future job. One may have an eye-opening experience abroad as he or she witnesses foreign politics and economies. These first hand observations might make students more aware of the devastations or successes in societies outside of the United States, and could impact or inspire a young brain to make a difference in this vast world.
Overall, college students should be required to study abroad; for it leads to a student having a greater understanding of the fast pace society humans thrive in and gives them the chance to recognize cultures and environments beyond the state borders of the United States of America. Traveling abroad may make a student break through their shell, and emerge from their comfort zone; opening up a new pathway, blossoming with adventure. Finally, I personally can not wait to have an experience abroad, and the possibility to become a more worldly and knowledgable human excites me more and more each day. I believe by visiting the great lands of this planet and understanding the life of others there is the hope that one day we can all be unified with happiness and peace will be restored.