An Educational Expedition by Edward

An Educational Expedition by Edward - March 2016 Scholarship Essay

As an international business and finance major at the University of Oklahoma, I strongly believe in international education. An international education experience is a privilege I believe every student should take advantage of if the opportunity presents itself. Although I do not believe it should be required, international education should be attainable and highly encouraged by academic institutions. As a United States citizen, I believe American students can benefit in various aspects of education from studying abroad. Most importantly, studying abroad allows students to take a step outside of their comfort zone and experience different culture, people, and ways of life. This provides students with the opportunity to escape their cultural bubble. Also, studying abroad allows students to broaden their conceptual understanding of how the world operates as a whole.
Personally, the idea of studying over seas was frightening at first thought. Traveling to an unfamiliar location where the native people speak a different language presented a challenge. However, I have recently gathered up my courage and decided to study abroad the spring semester of 2017 in Seville, Spain. Despite my mediocre Spanish speaking skills, the journey remains intimidating. This is a big leap for me, but I know it will pay off in the long run. By studying abroad a semester in Spain I am confident I will expand my academic horizons and become open to new ways of thinking. Surrounding myself with unfamiliar faces and culture will allow me to test my adaptability. It is truly a once in a lifetime experience I cannot pass up.
I encourage all students to study abroad, however I do not believe it should be required. The experience an individual can potentially gain from international education cannot be replicated in a classroom. The people who make up the foreign culture must be experienced first hand in order to fully grasp the way in which they live. Although not everyone can afford to study abroad, where there is a will, there is a way. As I stated earlier, I plan on studying abroad in Spain next spring, but cannot do so without the finances to fund my education over seas. I thank you for the opportunity to raise money for my international expedition and hope my aspirations may become a reality at this time next year.