Should Students Study Abroad? by Meghan

Should Students Study Abroad? by Meghan - March 2016 Scholarship Essay

Meghan Precord
Scholarship Essay
Should All Students Be Required to Study Abroad?

Traveling around the world allows one to be exposed to different cultures and life styles. With the experiences that one may forego, you can learn a lot about the world we live in and how it differs from the lifestyles we live in the United States. All college students should be required to study abroad because a student has the opportunity learn more when they are experiencing and living through the curriculum.
First, being exposed to different cultures will broaden the understanding of the lessons being taught because just reading about it or seeing photos of the different significant structures around the world does not have the same effect as visiting and seeing it firsthand. The hands on experience gives the mind a more meaningful thing to remember, allowing students to thrive during lessons and learning. For example, my future goal is to become a physical therapist who helps aid children in rehabilitation centers. My dream is to travel to third world countries and help children and families to learn how to prevent injuries and help them get back to health if they are injured. Since these third world countries do not have the technology or the opportunities presented to them as we do in the United States, they will be needing more help than in other, more developed countries. This would give me the opportunity to physically be a part of the curriculum and see how the body works and what the effects are on people in different cultures and environments. Hands on experience is crucial when learning, and students who study abroad will be able to gain more knowledge and understanding of their majors if they do so.
Along with learning about the cultures, you may also learn how to communicate. This will be ideal for jobs in the United Sates because of how diverse our country is becoming. Being able to learn different languages and how to communicate efficiently with people will impress employers and show you are up for challenges. With this skill you have better opportunities to get higher paying jobs because most jobs these days require communication with teams of people and not all of the members will be able to speak perfect English due to the diversity of the United States. If you are in sales, knowing other languages will allow you to efficiently speak to clients who do not speak English. This can be vital to the company’s success. Being able to communicate efficiently and correctly to foreign speaking people is a key aspect and skill you need when looking for employment; and if you study abroad, the chances of you learning a new language is high.
On the topic of employment, not only do they look for language skills but also experience. In any job search, one will be asked about experience with the topic of the job, such as working with children for a teaching job or volunteering at hospitals to learn how to work as a nurse. Traveling abroad provides those experiences and sets you a part from the other candidates for the job because they will not have worked in the different environment that you have. Not many people are challenged in pursuing their skills as much as students are when they study abroad, so with the knowledge gained from traveling, the employer will see you are more qualified than others.
All in all, the skills and knowledge that you gain from studying abroad is a significant aspect of the success of your future. Whether you want to learn about the politics of different countries or help save animals going extinct, studying abroad as a college student sets you up for success and empowers you to make a difference in the world.