Why Studying Abroad is Essential by Ayinde

Why Studying Abroad is Essential by Ayinde - March 2016 Scholarship Essay

Yes I believe all college students should be required to study abroad. By doing so, the student can learn about a new culture first-hand. They will be able to find the differences and similarities of other cultures first themselves. They will also be able to learn about a different language, food, appearance, personal habits, way of living and many other significant things by studying in a foreign land. Most people are prejudice about different countries or states, and their opinions might or might not be true. Students who study abroad come back home with a less biased perspective towards other people and their culture.

In order for students to be prosperous in their careers, they need to be linguistically and culturally proficient. By studying abroad, students are introduced to a new language and new experiences they would not have been exposed to without studying abroad. Studying abroad often puts the student in a place where they are not familiar with the native language, and this will force them to learn how to communicate using that language. Learning a new language will be very helpful when they come back home because it will boost their career opportunities. Many companies are expanding their businesses internationally, so being able to speak a language other than English will give the student a significant advantage.

Studying abroad helps them develop new skills and provides them with the opportunity to become more independent. Studying abroad further prepares the student with learning how to better understand their wants and needs than they do when they are living with their parents. Sooner or later, they will have to leave their parental nest, and studying abroad will help the student do so. It makes the transition of leaving their parents much easier for them. Students who study abroad become better problem solvers because they are not in their comfort zone. They are in a different setting, and most likely things are handled a little differently so they have to adapt to a new way of living. When faced with a problem, students must use their own gumption and draw back on their own personal experiences to fix a problem.

Studying abroad can help in many ways, and I would highly recommend doing so. During the summer after my senior year in high school, I am going to search for a program that allows me to study abroad and learn about a different culture other than my own.