Mandatory Studying Abroad and Why It Is Necessary by Daniel

Mandatory Studying Abroad and Why It Is Necessary by Daniel - March 2016 Scholarship Essay

“Preservation of one’s own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures.”
- Cesar Chavez
Today, more than ever, the United States is a country exemplified by our ethnically and culturally diverse population. On a train, if you look to your right and then your left, chances are one of those two people’s ancestors hail from a country completely different than yours. This diversity while a unique positive trait can also cause confusion and negative connotations. Without understanding the background of a person’s culture, as a population we are quick to pass judgment. In order to limit the negative side of a culturally diverse population, I believe that studying abroad should be required for all students.
Making studying abroad mandatory allows students the opportunity to gain awareness of different cultures and traditions. As a polish citizen as well, I have had the opportunity to visit my parent’s homeland several times throughout my life. Each time I land and walk off the plane, everything feels, looks, and even smells different. As students, who are still formulating our own personalities, opening our minds to different countries and their cultures is extremely enlightening. Not only does it help students better understand the culture in the country they’re in, but opens up students’ mind to the realization that each country in the world is different. Building from the awareness that is obtained studying abroad, students return with a completely new mind set toward different cultures. Ultimately, this mindset benefits not only the student, but also their friends, school community, and general population overall.
Another valuable asset that is necessary when studying abroad is the trait of understanding. Often times in our daily lives, we become enamored with our routine. Not only do we forget to test our comfort zones, but also forget that our routine is not the only one. When visiting a foreign country, being able to discover and absorb the routines of other cultures is something that cannot be understated. For example, the common practice of siestas in Spain. A siesta is defined as a short nap taken early in the afternoon. In short, everything closes down for these short naps and the streets are mostly empty. Observing something like this in the capitalistic driven United States is almost as likely as Donald Trump not contradicting himself. As a student, being able to observe the routines set in other countries allows for an experience not felt in many states around the United States. This experience again enlightens and widens the scope for students who study abroad, something very beneficial in the present and the future.
The last and most important thing is finding new interests along with career opportunities. When a student immerses themselves in the cultures of different countries, one thing that I have learned through my experiences in Europe is I always come back with new interests. Whether it be developing a knack or interest in hiking, or even drinking a different type of coffee, studying abroad opens up a significant amount of new interests. Along with this, studying abroad vastly benefits career opportunities. Whether it is putting study abroad experience on a resume or simply networking while in a different country, the endless opportunities provided by studying abroad often times cannot be matched on the college campuses in the United States.
In conclusion, studying abroad should be made mandatory because of the vast amount of personal enlightening it inhibits. Making students’ more aware of different cultures, networking possibilities, and understanding all play an enormous role in the experience of studying abroad. Elaborating on the quote at the top of the paper, while preserving one’s culture is important, being able to understand and appreciate the culture of others’ is equally important.