Yes to Studying Abroad! by Melia

Yes to Studying Abroad! by Melia - March 2016 Scholarship Essay

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.” – Mark Twain,

Studying abroad was a transformative experience that ignited my passion for discovering new cultures and connecting with people around the world. My gains from my time overseas have not only been a driving force in my personal goals, but have helped define the values by which I live, the way I communicate, the way I approach problems, the food I eat, the music I like, the clothes I wear, and the way I plan to contribute to the world through my work. The benefits of studying abroad reach far beyond the classroom and offer more knowledge than can be acquired within the confines of a lecture hall. A requisite to study abroad would: 1) address the misconception about feasibility, 2) increase participation among minority students, and 3) incite critical and formative learning in students essential for optimal social progress. For these reason I enthusiastically support a requirement that all students study abroad.
Going abroad is typically seen as belonging only to those who have the financial means to do so. Students, who come from low-income situations and/or minority backgrounds, rarely consider the possibility of studying abroad. As a mandate, student’s rhetoric will shift from questions of “how and if” to “where and when”. To facilitate the process, institutions must be responsible for exposing the wealth of financial resources to students who need extra support. Also universities must be transparent in explaining that, the cost of attendance for a year or a semester in another country may actually be cheaper than what students currently pay at their home institutions. My study abroad experiences are proof that financial circumstances do not have to have to be a limiting factor. Requiring studying abroad and providing access to monetary resources would ensure evenhanded access to such an experience.
According to the Institute of International studies, only 5 percent of Americans who study abroad are Black, standardizing this type of academic experience for all students would therefore lead to more minority students travelling for school. Equal access to such programs will render a more equitable society. As minority students participate more, they will obtain skills that could qualify them to be considered for international careers and leadership positions of which there is currently a dearth of diversity. For example, within the State Department, there is a notable disparity between people of color and whites in top diplomatic posts. As a result there are few people of color in positions to grapple with pressing foreign-policy issues who could otherwise offer relevant perspectives and innovative solutions. Studying abroad is a means to achieve uniform access to opportunities in this country, a key-determining factor for comprehensive social progress.
Universal studying abroad, will positively contribute to society as a whole. In addition to developing a workforce and general population with honed interpersonal communication skills, independent problem solving abilities, adaptability to a variety of diverse environments, and knowledge of cross cultural rapport, studying abroad necessitates the development of new lenses through which to view the world. New outlooks will lead to having a more understanding, tolerant, and respectful population and workforce. These qualities inevitably foster a more progressive and prolific national value system. With experts predicting that in the next few decades America will be a majority-minority nation, it is imperative we proactively address cultural and racial issues that have historically interfered with our collective social welfare and advancement. Studying abroad is one of several means needed to enable this shift.
The individual and communal advantages of studying aboard far outweigh any considerations against going abroad. The requirement will eliminate the often-misinformed notion of the feasibility of studying in foreign countries, increase the amount of students of color that learn and develop proficiencies abroad, and enhance our societal ability to cope with the changes of our ever-globalizing world and country. Despite the possible financial burdens this requirement may pose, with proper infrastructure, aid offered through institutions, private contributors and even the government could be readily accessed. When considering the numerous benefits that emerge from studying overseas, including unforgettable memories and unparalleled adventure, a requirement for all students to study abroad is not only justifiable, but also ideal.