Student Success and Studying Abroad by Justin

Student Success and Studying Abroad by Justin - March 2016 Scholarship Essay

A student's primary purpose is the pursuit of education. This can be accomplished in many ways, most of which are conventional. One option that is not often acknowledged, but still viable, is the choice to study abroad. Potentially, this could be required of all students as part of their schooling career and not merely an option. This could be extremely beneficial for cultural enrichment and exposure to new things, which is after all, the experience of education.
Students who study abroad in foreign lands would be exposed to foreign things. Many students are afraid to put themselves in a situation that is unfamiliar. Change is difficult because it pushes the individual out of their comfort zone. If students were required to study aborad, this would help overcome this hurdle. It would also help with familiarity for the process. Others would be able to talk about the experience and dispel the cloud of mystery that surrounds it.
After the mandatory excursion was started, the benefits would become more personal. Students would become more exposed to other cultures and traditions. With a deeper, correct understandnig of others, there would be greater unity in the world. Different cultures carry different beliefs that influence that peoples' actions. This results in a greater understanding for others and why they behave the way they do. There would be less misunderstanding and people could connect in more meaningful ways with others from different countries. There are good things in other cultures, methods to show respect for instance that not all countries have. It would only be natural to garner appreciation for differences.
Not only would cultural enrichment be gained from mandatory study abroad programs, but also a more excellent education. By definition, education is gaining knowledge. What better way to do this than to expose a student to new things? A new language and new teachers may just be the change of pace needed for renewed motivation. Comfort breeds complacency and the brain needs to be challenged to be strengthened, just like a muscle. A higher standard of learning would require a higher standard of effort. When expectations are high, students will rise to meet the challenge.
Studying abroad is something that is challenging, it can be scary and difficult but well worth it. A greater understanding of others would be gained and an expanded education, the result. If made mandatory, students would be given high expectations but this would create renewed motivation and a sense in trust that those students would feel and respond to in an effective way that could not be gained through traditional schooling.