Varsity Tutors Scholarship- Should studying abroad be a requirement for students? by Kumi

Varsity Tutors Scholarship- Should studying abroad be a requirement for students? by Kumi - March 2016 Scholarship Essay

I think studying abroad is one of the best programs that colleges and even high schools can offers to their students. It gives the chance for students to enhance themselves in different cultures and travel all over the world. This opportunity gives an eye opening experience for students, they are able to learn about the culture and customs of the country, and can also give different perception of the world. I believe students are supposed to travel the world and gain worldly experiences instead of staying in one place during their high school or college years. College is about experiencing new things, interacting with different people, and learning about the world. While there are controversies pertaining to studying in foreign countries, I think this program is beneficial to all students no matter what degree they are planning to pursue.
When given the opportunity to study in other countries it forces students to break away from their cultural norm and to be fully involved in the culture. This gives students a chance to interact with others and to break cultural barriers that have been taught their whole life. Students will be able to explore the world that is far from where they are from and try new things that they only imagined of doing. College is about opening up to new experiences and discovering new ideas, and most importantly finding yourself. I think this program is such an eye opening experience, students get to see the country in their own eyes and understand the country’s struggle, greatness, and the beauty of the culture.
Not only does this program give students an experience they have never had before, it is also beneficial when applying for a job or going into a specific career. By experiencing foreign lands, cultures, and/or people different from their own allows for an open-minded experience. As for myself, I am pursuing a degree in International Relations where I analyze countries in a political and economic setting. Further down the road, I want to pursue a career in Foreign Affairs as a military employee and later work for the National Security Agency (NSA). That being said, traveling as a foreign exchange student would be ideal and will help students gain knowledge and experience in the career field I hope to pursue.
Throughout my life I have traveled place to place, as my father is active duty in the military. This gave me the opportunity to explore and learn about different cultures, and widen my perspective on life. It really does open your eyes and shows you that the world is not made up of one specific cultural norm, but many. I feel as though I am more experienced in worldly matter than those who have been secluded to one place their whole life. College should be about experiencing and learning about the different cultures that make up the world. This program gives you the chance to explore the world and find yourself. I do think students should be required to travel abroad (regardless of what degree they hope to pursue) they will learn so much about the world and the people.