International Study: Not a Requirement by Steven
Stevenof Vanderbilt's entry into Varsity Tutor's March 2016 scholarship contest
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International Study: Not a Requirement by Steven - March 2016 Scholarship Essay
The concept of adventure has always intrigued college students. The problem with such ideas is that students are often pressured into either going, or not going, on one of the biggest adventures of their life: studying abroad. Studying abroad is an amazing and wonderful experience and, therefore, should not be required of the students, but recommended, as well as made easier for those seeking international studies.
International studies provide students with amazing tools. Among those are foreign languages, responsibility, and general life skills that will stay with those student for the rest of their lives. Studying in a foreign land gives students the opportunities to explore new territory, to learn a new language, and to study at an accredited college all in the same time period. This kind of opportunity should not be wasted, but embraced and sought after, but not forced. If there are students that feel the need to stay in their own country, than the decision is theirs to make. We have the freedom of choice here in the United States, which means that forcing students to leave our country in order to earn a degree is preposterous to say the least.
International studies are difficult to manage and hard to afford. Some of these programs are unavailable due to the cost that it takes to live in another country. Many times, the chance to study abroad is missed due to the lack of funds by the time the bill is due. This situation is not ideal for those that want to want and need to experience the splendid aspects of studying in another country. It is for this reason that colleges need to make such programs affordable and easily accessible. Student who are economically disadvantaged deserve the same opportunities as those who can afford international study.
In conclusion, through international study, lives can change. These opportunities should be available to everyone, but not required. If universities make study abroad more affordable and accessible, than the program should not have to be required, since students will seek it out if such conditions are met.