The Power of Studying Abroad by Erik

The Power of Studying Abroad by Erik - March 2016 Scholarship Essay

So many questions are able to be answered and so many more questions are able to be asked when one is exposed to new challenges and experiences. While studying in the comfort of one’s classroom or working a local internship certainly will benefit in the short and long run, studying abroad should be required for college students to some extent because it allows the student to expand his or her conventional way of approaching both his or her studies as well as life through immersion in a new, different culture. After all, one of the main goals students look to achieve during their time in college is to grow not only as a student but also as a person before being thrown out into a world that is becoming more interconnected than ever.
Though there are some alternatives that eliminate the disadvantages of studying abroad rather than at home, pursuing school and/or work abroad temporarily through the college one attends has benefits that far outweigh the negatives. Among these negatives lie barriers are it being expensive, leaving social ties behind, and consequently, being isolated in a new environment. Unfortunately, these are barriers that many people face; however, these are also barriers that are able to be dealt with. Thankfully, there is technology and media that allows one to stay connected with home. There is also many ways to minimize cost by budgeting or receiving loans. Lastly, many students that choose to go abroad figure out a way that keeps them from isolation from those who speak other languages whether that be speaking a common language such as English or a language learned at home.
In the mission statements of countless universities and colleges it is stated that their goal is to create top-notch, well-rounded students that are ready to succeed in the real world after graduating. If this is the case, then colleges should do whatever they can to minimize the disadvantages of studying abroad. This in turn, will allow students to take up this avenue of studying without the fear for the negatives. In situations where it is possible, schools should require some time spent abroad but also help fund students’ trips, connect them with others in the new country, and make sure they are prepared for the transition. The end result of studying abroad in regards to school similarly reflects what could have been achieved if the time would have been spent at home; however, the trip creates a student that knows more about the different cultures in the world and is more prepared to go work in a globalized and interconnected job market. A student who goes abroad, one would think, is a student much better suited for the real world than one who does not. Additionally, the school would benefit from offering or forcing these opportunities upon students. Students will want to go to a school where the option is available and the school will turn out better students that can now find jobs all over the globe.
Evidently, the benefits of traveling and studying abroad while in college can potentially far outweigh the potential disadvantages. The upside for both the student and the school is tremendous and by requiring students to take up this activity can only do good.