Abounding from Abroad Studies by Micah

Abounding from Abroad Studies by Micah - November 2017 Scholarship Essay

Opening the door to another world is the gift one receives when able to study abroad. I once heard that a child's vocal chords are shaped by the age of five and the ability to learn a foreign language for most people declines each year after five. Although the ability to master the language is still possible, the pronunciation will never be quite the same once the chords have taken shape. I believe the same is true of studying or living abroad. Each decision we make after high school, like shaping the chords, narrows our path. The opportunity to travel and study abroad is a "chance of a lifetime for every college student".

Learning and experiencing culture, language, religions, political views, and traditions of another county is a great opportunity to begin to learn about the world. I am excited to acknowledge differences and share similarities of another culture and country. As I submerge myself in another part of the world, I believe the differences will create an opportunity to test and broaden my education and challenge my beliefs and expand my simplistic views.

The world has become a melting pot especially with the internet, face time and video capabilities. I expect that the future workforce will be more diverse and require the ability to navigate many cultural, political, and religious waters. Learning to work through these differences in college by studying abroad would create an advantage for me. The chance to interact daily with students with a different lifestyle, experiences and prejudices will expand my knowledge of the working world as well. It is often said that diversity fosters innovation and accomplishment. Problem solving together in a classroom setting would be the best preparation for the future workforce.

I am excited to be a part of student body within a college campus, but the fact that I could be apart of a college campus across the globe is both incredible and obtainable. My expectation is to learn and grow from every class, professor and student and country that I am blessed to be a part of.