The Outer Limits: Should Studying Abroad Be Mandatory? by Sarah

The Outer Limits: Should Studying Abroad Be Mandatory? by Sarah - March 2016 Scholarship Essay

Though studying abroad broadens one’s horizons, I do not believe it should be mandatory (unless one is majoring in foreign languages), due to the cost of higher education. We already have income inequality in this country, the middle class is failing, and we don’t need to put any more pressure on students to do more than what should be required of them to do their job. I will already have to pay an extra three hundred dollars to take a College Algebra class that is not germane to my degree, among others. Our educational system, from kindergarten through college, is broken. Tuition prices have risen and textbook prices are ridiculous (and a waste of trees, as Kindle editions aren’t available). It’s also mind-boggling that online classes cost the exact same as on-campus classes (though I understand you’re paying for the credit hour, not the quality of the course), and that teachers who spend hours preparing lectures are paid the same as teachers who recycle their lectures via videos, or don’t even lecture at all. Studying abroad, like the joining the military or volunteering, should be voluntary, not a requirement.
If you see being away from your family as an opportunity, you may need to have a talk with your family. We all need our space, but if anything happens, like an injury or illness, you are far away from anyone who loves you. Language can be a frightening barrier (except in places like Australia—a popular destination for students) in such situations. Even if you are living with a host family, unless you have pretty much taken care of yourself the last two years, it’s going to be more work you have to do.
However, language isn’t the only barrier. Every country has its own culture; some places aren’t as progressive as America. A student, especially a woman, might have to watch her words (not to mention her language). Just as you can say whatever you want in your own home, such is not the case when you are in someone else’s, or a country that is not your own.
We have an overabundance of good food in America, but some places might not be so fortunate, and what may be clean enough in some countries may be unacceptable to us; there is also the fear for personal safety, as Americans generally aren’t regarded well. Having an American nationality could mark you as a potential target.
Furthermore, if you’re trying to already learn something new, trying to learn something new in another language might hurt your grades, as you are essentially taking two classes at once. Learn the language first, and then go from there.
Money is another issue. Many places do not allow international students to work. You can get a loan, but you’ll burn through it, and be left with a load of debt. Remember, you don’t have to be a traditional student to study abroad. Get your degree first, and you can always pay your own way later. You could even get a job overseas, which is better, as you would be getting paid (and learning even more in the process).
That said, there are still many benefits to studying abroad, and if that’s what you want to do. You will have a life experience that is made richer (as long as it doesn’t make you poorer). If I had to do it over again, I would have done so, but I would have chosen a place that spoke English, because of my comprehension difficulties with different dialects and accents stemming from a hearing impairment. I would have learned a lot more, and had an experience worth writing about, rather than slaving away at some minimum wage job. Here’s a tip: A minimum wage job, unless you want to move up in the company, is a waste of time. The work experience you get will be as meaningless as a degree in gender studies. Studying abroad will net you a fresh perspective, a brave new worldview that can’t be put on a resume. It might even make you appreciate home, or find a true love.
My advice: Visit a country first as a vacationer, focus on making your living (and a life), and maybe, someday, you will be able share the experience abroad with someone.
Leaving your home country should never be a prerequisite to a degree. It’s simply un-American.