Studying Abroad Can Change the World by Francy

Studying Abroad Can Change the World by Francy - March 2016 Scholarship Essay

In this melting pot we call the United States of America, study abroad may be the solution to many of the intolerance and discrimination issues that we face today. Education in general is a great tool to eradicate intolerance, however, study abroad programs go further in teaching students valuable lessons such as celebrating diversity and seeing the value that different perspectives bring to the solution of an issue. Study abroad programs should be required in all universities because they bring value not only to a student’s professional development, but also to the schools, as well as the community.
When a student, or any person in general, has been brought up with a sole set of ideas and beliefs about what is right and wrong, it is possible that this person could be less accepting of other people’s beliefs when they conflict with his/her own. Oftentimes this goes as far as violent encounters between peoples with different ideas. We have seen this throughout history in many shameful cases not worth mentioning. Study abroad programs offer the student the possibility to expand his/her beliefs, and to have a remarkable experience with people who are completely different from himself/herself. The total immersion offered by study abroad programs almost guarantees that a student will have to face the challenges that may occur, such as adapting to a new cultural set of beliefs and behaviors, or to learn how to give up his/her own ways and consider other perspectives. This would not occur in the comfort of a student's own culture because it is easier to avoid uncomfortable experiences. When one lives abroad, it eliminates the possibility of avoidance, and leaves nothing but the option of confronting one’s fears or misconceptions. This often turns out to be an epiphany for many students who discover that what they thought would be the “worst” experience ever, turned out to be fun, remarkable, or unique. After a study abroad experience the student comes back to his/her world renewed, excited, filled with new ideas, and with a broader perspective of himself/herself and of the world. This student will, therefore, be a better professional and bring more to “the plate” of his/her field.
Schools benefit from sending their students to study abroad because other students are likely to select a university that has a strong and successful study abroad program and that offers plenty of opportunities for students to live this experience, which translates in more enrollment. It also benefits schools because it gives better graduates who have global awareness and a broader perspective. This means better professionals who would represent the university’s name in outstanding ways. This also translates to more enrollment and more public recognition, as well as more employers interested in employing the graduates from this institution.
The community in general also receives many benefits from students who have a wider global perspective. These students may be more compassionate professionals, more tolerant, and even more excited about diversity in the community. In a country like the U.S. where people from all cultures and walks of life come together, there is no other quality that is more valuable than the ability to work with people different from oneself and to cherish diversity and different ideas. This all leads to a richer culture and environment where issues are solved in more compassionate ways and more ideas emerge to address a conflict, need, or improvement. This, I would assume, helps the community thrive and progress more than a uniform community where people share very similar perspectives because a diverse community allows for more effective solutions. Professionals who have experienced study abroad and have gained a better global perspective and awareness, not only of the world, but also of the self, are likely to be more tolerant and to pass down to their subsequent generations a culture of diversity and compassion for others. This may ultimately change the world and bring about a more peaceful way of life.