Should all college students be required to study abroad? Why or why not? by Molly

Should all college students be required to study abroad? Why or why not? by Molly - March 2016 Scholarship Essay

Molly J. Leonard 3-3-2016
University of Rhode Island
45 Upper College Road
Kingston, RI 02881

Should all college students be required to study abroad? Why or why not?

The opportunity to study abroad while in college is a very enticing concept. The thought of traveling to different countries, experiencing different cultures seems like a dream come true. The reality is that traveling abroad has so many cons’ that making it a requirement would be a mistake.

Let’s consider the expense of traveling abroad. While most college and universities will try to keep the tuition costs down, there is a long list of expenses. Room and board for example can be a charge that is higher in cost abroad than at your own university, and the accommodations may not be as nice as you expected. The expense of preparing to travel can be overwhelming. Student must purchase passports, luggage, appropriate clothing for the climate. Medical attention is needed at times before students travel. There may be special vaccinations needed. Once the student arrives, they are often faced with heavy fees by the surrounding businesses in another country.

Traveling to study abroad can be a frightening experience for many students. What if the student has a fear of flying, yet their college or university requires them to study abroad? Today the threat of a terrorist attack is a reality while in another country. Students who have an existing medical condition may be at risk while traveling, or any student may need medical attention at any time. You would have to question the quality of medical care the student might receive. Communication would be a barrier also. Can the student speak the language well enough to be receiving the best possible education while abroad?

Many college students must maintain full time employment while in college to pay for the cost of tuition and fees. There are employers who might not be willing to give the student the time off necessary to travel abroad which would leave the student unemployed when they return. Family obligations may get in the way of traveling also. Many students may have a spouse, children or parents they are responsible to take care of.

Although having the opportunity to travel abroad while attending college is a perk, it should be by choice only. Making it a requirement would not be in the best interest of all students. There are just too many cons for this practice to become the norm in all colleges and universities.