Should all college students be required to study abroad? by Mikayla

Should all college students be required to study abroad? by Mikayla - March 2016 Scholarship Essay

Should all college students be required to study abroad? This is a question I have been rolling through my mind for a while. There are so many benefits to studying abroad! There are adventures to be had, cultures to experience, and amazing memories to make. Unfortunately, studying abroad has some downsides as well. Many students would give anything to have the opportunity to further their education in another country, but I also know of many people who prefer to be around familiar places and faces and would hate every second that they were away from home.
To me, studying abroad would be a dream come true! It’s perfect for students like me who love taking on new experiences and learning as much as they can about other cultures. To see, taste, hear, and smell aspects of a new country is vitalizing! To be able to walk where great scholars in history have walked inspires the mind and spirit. Studying abroad can also help prepare students for their careers. If they were to move to a different country for their career, or have a client from the culture that the student had first-hand experience with, they would be much more prepared and better equipped.
On the other hand, studying abroad is not free. Not everyone can afford the luxury of traveling to new places. College is expensive enough with just the basics. If studying abroad is a requirement, that puts many dreams on the proverbial back burner because they cannot meet the standard. Some students may have a handicap that would not allow them the ability to travel and would be at an unfair disadvantage because of this requirement. Many students as well are introverted and it can be a very scary experience to be away from everything you know and love. This matter alone may persuade many students away from furthering their education, and that is the last thing we need!
In conclusion, my answer to your question is that I believe it should not be a requirement. Studying abroad is not a necessity. It’s is an amazing experience and whoever wants to learn in a new country should be encouraged and have the ability to do so, but for the students who need to be close to family and familiar surroundings, or cannot afford studying abroad, it should not be forced upon them. Higher education is higher education, whether you study in Europe, America, or some exotic location.