Studying Abroad-a new experience of learning by Shan-tang

Studying Abroad-a new experience of learning by Shan-tang - March 2016 Scholarship Essay

Many people think of studying abroad as just a respite from their normal hustle and bustle of college courses. Others might just want to experience another culture first hand after being mesmerized by Instagram posts of Crepes slathered with Nutella on the streets of Paris, scenic landscapes of the Rialto Bridge in Venice, or the tightly packed and zealous crowds of European football. However, I believe that studying abroad should be required for all college students and should be valued for its learning experience rather than its misconception as an extended Spring Break.
It’s true that studying abroad is the best way of learning the nuances of a certain language. Only through complete immersion in Dutch can one truly understand the meaning of “Gezelligheid”. Wikipedia defines “Gezelligheid” has a Dutch abstract noun that roughly translates to “cozy, fun, or a nice atmosphere”. But depending on the context, “Gezelligheid” can take on a completely new meaning and be used to describe the feeling of seeing a friend for the first time in years, or the warm sensation a person might perceive from spending quality time with a friend. Without the opportunity to study Dutch in the Netherlands, it would be impossible to grasp the full meaning of “Gezelligheid”. I’m sure that there are other parallel words in different languages that can’t be defined with a simple translation, but must be learned through immersion to truly know it’s connotations. By being tossed into a foreign country, it forces students to quickly adapt and learn how to communicate fluently in a matter of weeks.
Not only does studying abroad help students pick up the nuances of a certain language faster, it also increases one’s chances of finding work. Because those who studied Spanish in Spain, French in France or Italian in Italy are more apt at their respective languages, they are more likely to find work that requires communication with different countries. And being bilingual will always be important in our globalized world due to trade negotiations and diplomatic relations. Companies like to see that students have pushed themselves to learn another language because it shows employers that they are willing to get out of their comfort zone. According to research from GO Global!, students who have studied abroad will be hired over those who have not gone abroad. This is especially true in business careers since a lot of businesses and economies depend on multiple factors, and being able to communicate with others greatly helps a business.
Even though many see studying abroad as an excuse for partying and hitting the nightclub, it is anything but that. Still, studying abroad can be a stress reliever from typical study binges that last all night, something that is far too common in college. According to a study by University of Alabama health professor Adam Knowlden, he found that approximately 60% of college students aren’t getting enough sleep. Being sleep deprived only makes focusing in class harder, leading to longer cramming sessions, which ironically means less sleep. I’m sure that no one wants to be in an endless cycle of sleep deprivation and all-night study sessions. Many people would enjoy a fresh change of pace, and what better way to do it than spending a whole semester learning French in the city of love, indulging on freshly baked macaroons, and perhaps serenading the love of your life.
We all know that college students secretly pretend to be independent in front of their peers. But whenever they come back to mom and dad, they rejoice in the taste of homemade cooking and being spoiled by their parents again without a single care in the world. I’m not saying that every student is overly sheltered by helicopter parents, but sometimes parents can be a little bit too protective because they only want the best for their kids. Consequently, a student can become too lenient on their parents for support. Studying abroad would force students to finally live on their own and learn how to take care of themselves. Without anyone to tell you what to do and what not to do, you quickly learn for yourself how to manage your expenses and time efficiently in a way that suits your own needs. And because your parents aren’t there to monitor your every step, you can discover a hidden passion that you never knew you had. Who knew how fun it could be to drive 130 kilometers per hour (81 miles per hour) on the Autobahn if you’ve never driven above 65 miles per hour on the highway.
Lastly, I think that one of the most understated benefits of studying abroad is the understanding of various cultures and foreign issues. Problems such as the Greek debt crisis, Syrian refugee situation, and the Zika virus are common and bound to repeat throughout history. By studying abroad, we can become more aware of various viewpoints on polarizing topics and learn to be more accepting of other cultures and races.
I look forward to studying abroad in college and I think that every student should be given the opportunity to study abroad despite one’s financial background. The experience of learning a new language, new country, and new culture has lasting benefits that outweigh the costs. By studying abroad, I open my mind to new experiences and open my heart to other cultures.