More than just theory. by Scott

More than just theory. by Scott - November 2017 Scholarship Essay

Studying abroad would without a doubt enhance my college education. Interacting with other cultures, being able to add experience to my resume and expanding my comfort zone are all things that would serve to enrich my college experience.
As the world becomes increasingly connected, experience interacting with other cultures is necessary. In all levels of society, whether it be shopping, watching television, and when working, we find ourselves dealing with people from different backgrounds. Experiencing this firsthand in another country would serve to prepare me for this eventuality. As communities become diverse dealing with people in other cultures has transformed from something occasional into an everyday occurrence. This is only going to increase as modes of transportation become more efficient and economical and people begin to have more disposable income.
Another aspect in which studying abroad would enrich my college education, is in the way that in would be beneficially viewed on my resume. As previously mentioned the world is becoming “smaller” and companies are looking for individuals that have a knack for dealing with other cultures. Many large markets such as India and China which were unable to participate in the global economy in decades past are starting to come online. Companies are looking for people who have access to these regions and are able to navigate these areas in ways that will give the company inroads into the country. Being able to put the experience abroad on my resume would serve to distinguish me from other applicants and give me an edge once hired on other coworkers who have no such experience.
One final way that studying abroad would serve to be invaluable in my college education, is in the way it would challenge me to grow. A college education is more than the just the scholastic learning you receive from a textbook in a classroom. It also encompasses the life lessons you learn in living on your own, being responsible for your own wellbeing, and learn to manage your time between all the varied tasks you have to do as an adult. Doing all of this abroad would only serve to enhance your skills in all these areas as these issues would all be magnified in a foreign land. Learning to support myself and eventually thrive in another country would no doubt leave me supremely confident in my skills and abilities to accomplish whatever I needed upon arriving home.
In conclusion, studying abroad would serve me well. It would be a big step towards turning a college degree from theoretical knowledge in an academia landscape, into real world knowledge and experiences gained.