Broadening Your Horizon by Kristen

Broadening Your Horizon by Kristen - March 2016 Scholarship Essay

Studying abroad is a once in a lifetime opportunity for many people. Getting to do your schoolwork in a whole other country and getting helpful hands on experience, while seeing the world and different cultures could really have a positive affect on your college career. Although, would it positively affect every single student attending college?
Personally, I love that I have the choice to study abroad. This is something I'm definitely looking forward to get to do in my college years. I've always loved traveling and am very excited to see the world and experience new things. Not everyone is like that though. I feel that as for some young adults, this idea might seem too overwhelming and or scary and take certain people out of their comfort zones. For some students, just attending college at a university was a giant leap for them and now requiring them to study abroad might push them too far.
Studying abroad has many positive attributes and maybe college students need to embrace these. Life is meant to get you out of your comfort zone because if you're not, are you really living? Going from being a high school student and feeling like a kid, to being on your own as an adult in college is a huge change. Visiting a country you are interested in while studying your major could very easily change the type of student and even person that you are for the better. It might give you the courage and motivation you've been needing your whole life. This could be the confidence boost you need to realize you're now an adult in charge of your life and you can do this!
Based on the advantages and disadvantages of all college students being required to study abroad, I don't think they should. I still think this opportunity should be encouraged and promoted so that students have a complete understanding of what exactly it is. This will help them make an informed decision based on themselves. All questions should be answered and I think every student should be offered this experience. I just don't think it should be required considering it might not be a positive chance for everyone.