College Students Should Study Abroad by Corey

College Students Should Study Abroad by Corey - March 2016 Scholarship Essay

All college students should be required to study abroad. It is a great way to find growth, career inspiration, and great experiences. Unfortunately, there are many students today who do not get this opportunity and do not experience this type of learning due to obstacles like fear, unwillingness to miss out on time at school, or even the cost of travel. I believe that studying abroad should in fact be required, and resources and programs set aside to address the challenges, so that students can enjoy the benefits of the experience to their lives and education.
There are many benefits to studying abroad. One reason that comes to mind immediately is that the studying abroad experience makes students more well-rounded, thus oftentimes more employable. Students who have taken the time to study in another country are often viewed favorably due to their exposure to different cultures, and will be hired over those who have not gone abroad. Employers love and appreciate the fact that students have not just taken the time to travel abroad, but to study in another country, learn to languages, cultures, and new ways of life.
Also, students who go the extra mile to study abroad give themselves a chance to expand their view of the world. Yes, a person can read books, listen to music, study photographs, and even talk to other people across the world, but there is no substitute for actually being there. As students study abroad, it allows them to be more open-minded to the world with an insider’s perspective on another country. If a person were to just have an opinion on a country from just hearing or knowing a little information without experiencing being there for themselves, they may not get the full picture of what life in that part of the world is like.
Additionally, after spending a few years in college, some students may get tired of the same old routine. They may feel like they are stuck and maybe want to take a break. In many cases, when students decide to take a break from college they end up never going back. But taking a break in the form of studying abroad could be a great change from the routine of regular coursework, keeping students interested in education and still engaged instead of burning them out.
Not only does studying abroad help students to continue to learn, but it also gives them experiences that they would have never gotten if they were to stay at home. Requiring all college students to study abroad is in essence allowing them to have a better future and set a higher standard for their life. Studying abroad would put every student in a position where they could find continued growth.