How Studying Abroad Benefits Students and United States. by mackenzie

How Studying Abroad Benefits Students and United States. by mackenzie - March 2016 Scholarship Essay

According to NAFSA the number of U.S. students studying abroad increased by 5.2 percent in the 2013-2014 school year. This represented less than 1.5 percent of all U.S. students enrolled in colleges. The option students of higher learning have to study abroad is vastly underused. All students working towards a 4-year degree or higher should study abroad. In doing so, a student will increase their knowledge of foreign culture, improve communication skills, and gain invaluable perspectives on global issues.
Firstly, studying abroad can improve a student’s knowledge of foreign culture. The United States is a very proud country, and rightly so. However, this idea that the U.S. is the best can often cloud many Americans from learning about the rest of the world. By studying abroad a student is forced to experience first-hand how other nations operate. A student can learn everything from local cuisine to economy. Students will be able to compare and contrast what they observe to American culture and would, ideally, bring what they have learned home and apply it. This experience can make them more open minded to the vast array of cultures that exist in the U.S. and effectively improve the tolerance of differing ideals in the United States.
Secondly, studying in other countries will offer a unique opportunity to improve various communication skills. The obvious communication skill is learning or building on a foreign language. On the other hand, not being fluent in the language will improve a student’s communication also. The student will be forced to overcome language barriers every day. If they do not know the local language they will have to adapt and create other forms of communication that are able to cross cultures. This might include adapting diction, body language and tone of voice. All of these communication skills have the potential to improve a student’s employability at businesses. Foreign interactions are required if the United States intends to stay a competitive nation making these students with experience in communicating a valuable asset.
Lastly, students participating will get an invaluable first-hand look at global issues. As citizens of the United States many students have a sheltered view of the world and do not understand the struggles other countries are dealing with. By visiting the country students will not be shielded from the local issues and will create their own thoughts and perspectives. The student will also have the ability to explore how the nation has chosen to approach these issues. Students will be able to bring these observations and opinions back to the United States and spread the word. If they have taken enough interest they can implement new ideas or what they have learned to American issues. At the very least students may come home more humble about what they have and their opportunities afforded to them by the United States.
All students working towards a 4-year degree or higher should study abroad. Their knowledge of foreign culture, improved communication skills, and new perspectives on global issues will not only improve their careers and ideals, but ultimately benefit the United States in many ways. Students should not shy away from the unique opportunity to grow individually, professionally, and intellectually.

Resources:
NAFSA, Trends in Study Abroad (2016) http://www.nafsa.org/Explore_International_Education/Advocacy_And_Public_Policy/Study_Abroad/Trends_in_U_S__Study_Abroad/