Why Study Abroad? by Paige

Why Study Abroad? by Paige - March 2016 Scholarship Essay

To me, this question should not exist and the question “Why not study abroad?” should. There is no reason to opt out of gaining a plethora of knowledge about culture, people, places, food, and even yourself. Leaving your comfortable home, apartment or dormitory even just once within your academic study should be required, because the benefits of traveling are endless and the experiences are unforgettable.
Why not see the world you have only read about in textbooks? There is so much more that lies beyond what you are accustomed to and what you have experienced thus far in your life. You can experience other first-world countries and how their luxuries differ greatly, or you could travel to a third-world country to see things you have never seen before and help those who need it. It is impossible to avoid becoming a new you after soaking in the amazing cultures you have the opportunity to encounter.
Regardless of you major, you will deal with classes and learning in a new light, and maybe even in a different language. This will only improve how you work, study or absorb knowledge that is important for your field of study. Immersing yourself in the education of this new country or multiple countries of your choice is the best thing you can do to better yourself and your learning. Why not get an incredible education in an incredible place? Getting this education looks great on your record for future colleges or future careers, and will give you an edge over others. You have insight that others do not, and these ‘others’ will want to hear about it.
Experiencing culture shock, jetlag, difficult classes, using foreign transportation, and being or feeling alone are worries that students may have about studying abroad, and with valid reason. However, there is one thing that will help diminish these worries: the friendships you will make. Everyone traveling abroad is scared or anxious about it in some way, but there is a guarantee that the people you meet will be lifelong friends or acquaintances, and people you can rely on. After all, you will be leaning on each other for help and support throughout, so why not gain additions to your support system and your heart?
Why not improve and develop yourself by stepping outside of your comfort zone? Even with new friends to lean on, you will also learn to rely on yourself in ways you have not before. You will really be able to find out your strength and ability to adjust to new situations, which can only benefit you in the long run. Not only that, but you will learn the excitement you harbor to learn new things and immerse yourself in new culture. It is difficult for me to say that it is possible to not develop love for the country you are visiting, because there are some students who hate their experience abroad. It is all about what you put into it, because if you dive in, you will get much more out of it than those who may hold back because of fear. And diving into something scary will teach you more about yourself than imaginable.
I could go on to list many more textbook reasons why all students should study abroad at least once, but it obvious that you should be convinced already. Of course it is scary to travel abroad, but the pros outweigh the cons greatly. Becoming enlightened to new culture and becoming a better person makes for a better world, as cheesy as that may sound. Why not change the world?