World of a Difference: Studying Abroad by Erica

World of a Difference: Studying Abroad by Erica - March 2016 Scholarship Essay

Studying abroad is a wonderful opportunity to experience new cultures and lifestyles while expanding your education. I believe all students should be required to study abroad during their time in a university setting. There is almost no downside to studying abroad, and the opportunity to experience a new country is a fabulous chance to become a more well-rounded individual and discover new ways of living that differ from your own.
Exploring a new culture or country can be extremely intimidating, especially when exploring that culture individually. I strongly believe that although leaving the security of what someone knows is difficult, there are so many benefits to escaping the comfort zone of the familiar. When in university an individual is working on improving themselves, gaining knowledge, and experiencing new lifestyles. A huge aspect of that could be studying abroad. It not only enriches the education and experience of the student, but also provides wonderful views into the rest of the world and the way other societies function. Having a more universal understanding of people has no downside.
Besides enriching your education and exploring new cultures, studying abroad can also provide career opportunities, new friendships, and even the discovery of a new passion. The life in another country can be so vastly different and may provide an opportunity that is not available in someone’s home country. The people and their way of thinking will also be different, and may help influence an individual more positively and teach them how to interact with someone who is much different from themselves.
At the end of the day life is about the experiences gathered and the people met, those interactions ultimately shape the person someone becomes. Going to another country just improves those experiences and interactions. Studying abroad is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the world and the types of people that we do not encounter in our everyday life. If studying abroad were required the majority of people would have an experience they otherwise wouldn’t get, and may lead to individuals who are more accepting and well rounded. There is no downside and I believe studying abroad is a wonderful opportunity and could be a fabulous addition to anyone’s education.