An Expansion of the Mind and Soul by Claire

An Expansion of the Mind and Soul by Claire - March 2016 Scholarship Essay

Studying abroad is a special experience that can change someone’s life. Unfortunately, not everyone has this life changing experience. According to the Institute of International Education, only around 820,000 US college students studied abroad in 2013. This number was a record high, but this experience should be required and open to every student. Studying abroad immerses the student in a new environment and culture, allowing them to experience a new language, cuisine, and system for education. Not only is it an experience for the self, but it is also an advantage in communication. Being able to interact with people from all walks of life is a great skill, and studying abroad promotes this cross-cultural communication. Because of its many benefits, studying abroad should be a required and integrated part of the college curriculum.
Studying abroad is an adventure for the mind and soul. One is put into a foreign environment and now has to eat new food, go to another school, and potentially learn a new language. The United States and its culture is so vastly different from that of any other country. By going to Spain, for example, one will have an entirely different atmosphere. Instead of eating hot dogs and hamburgers for dinner, they will indulge in gazpacho and flan. Another norm in Spain is to eat dinner between nine and ten at night, bedtime for most Americans! This brings about another difference in American culture and Spanish culture: work for most Spaniards ends at around eight at night. The Spanish language is different than English. Very few of the words sound the same and the writing is filled with accents that are seldom used in the English language. This experience is not just limited to Spain, but can be just as eye opening in China, Greece, Germany, or any other country. By immersing oneself in such a culture, they will enhance their palette and their world views.
Traveling to a foreign country and studying abroad is not just a spiritual quest, but a means for increasing one’s worldviews and communication skills. Being able to interact with a variety of people is a skillset that all future leaders should possess, and studying abroad allows one to do just that. Being among ethnically and culturally diverse people also allows one to acknowledge diversity in this world. It also helps us to knock down any previously built stereotypes. By receiving an education in another country, students of today can meet new people and learn about diversity within the human race.
Studying abroad is a great experience for the mind and the soul. An international experience is a once in a lifetime opportunity. It has many advantages for one both as a student and as a well-rounded human being. This indicates that the integration of a foreign program should be required for all college students.