Once in a Lifetime by Kaelyn

Once in a Lifetime by Kaelyn - March 2016 Scholarship Essay

I believe college students should be required to study abroad. I know that giving college students the opportunity to study abroad cost a lot of money, but think of the opportunities the students could have. A lot of studies have shown that students learn better visually. I searched up an article to see the statistics of students who studied abroad on studyabroad.com. Studyabroad.com said that “97% of students found jobs within 12 months of graduation, when only 49% of college graduates found employment in the same period” (studyabroad.com). Studying abroad doesn’t just give you a free vacation during school, or a more fun learning experience, it gives students a better way to connect with other people.
Imagine I wanted to be a history major in British studies and I went to apply for a job that does research on British culture. I would be able to write down on my job application that I have already studied in London, over someone who maybe just studied at college and learned through a professor and text books.The job I applied for would want me over the other canindate since I have had a hands on experience with the british culture. To back up my point I went back onto studyabroad.com to see if they talked about any more job experiences for students who studied abroad. Studyabroad.com stated “84% of study abroad alumni felt their studies abroad helped them build valuable skills for the job market” (studyabroad.com). Also being in an environment that’s fun and hands on always makes a better learning experience.
I know for a fact that when I went to London & Paris for a school trip I learned more things about London & Paris while being there instead of sitting in a classroom looking at pictures in a textbook. I felt more engaged, awake, and learned a lot more while seeing what we were talking about right in front of my face. Also, some people never get to adventure another state, or country while alive, and an opportunity to study abroad could change someone’s life. I feel that many grades would go up more, and more students would love to attend that certain school that requires students to study abroad. I know that now into today’s society students could have the opportunity to study abroad, but it’s money and funding that is really stopping students. Just like these scholarships Varsity Tutors have there are many scholarships out there that could help students pay for their abroad studies. Students should contribute to whatever they can to get themselves to study abroad. It’s an opportunity of a life time and could really influence your learning experience more and help you to understand other cultures, and countries more. Studying abroad is awesome!