Study abroad programs often provide pre-packaged trips with a cohort of students, housing options, cultural excursions and language learning options. Some even offer language immersion options!
Study abroad programs enable participants to develop the “soft skills” sought by employers, such as intercultural fluency, flexibility and adaptability, initiative and self-awareness.
1. Global Awareness
Understanding culture is integral to global awareness; when students take time to travel and immerse themselves in another country’s traditions, they gain more appreciation of different viewpoints as well as global knowledge that will benefit both in their professional careers and personal lives.
SIT conducted a study that showed students who participated in study abroad programs found their newfound skills more applicable to their future than any of their campus coursework. Furthermore, employers valued global perspectives and understanding cultures gained through study abroad programs.
No matter what field you work in – be it business, education or politics – understanding how different countries view similar issues is an invaluable way of finding creative solutions to complex problems. Furthermore, being able to think globally has become ever more essential as more and more people travel across borders both for work and pleasure.
Many of the skills students develop during international experiences are essential to succeed in a diverse workplace. According to a report on the future of jobs, employers identified critical thinking and analysis, problem-solving, self-management as some of the top soft skills employers look for when hiring new hires; many of these soft skills can be learned through experiences such as an internship placement, volunteering work or studying abroad.
Apart from developing their skills, students also benefit from immersion into a foreign culture. Navigating an unfamiliar city or country without assistance, adapting to a different school system or simply becoming more independent are all things which can build self-confidence and boost one’s self-esteem.
Students returning home from their program are able to utilize what they have learned back into their communities and organizations. For instance, seeing first-hand how well social programs functioned abroad can influence his or her own community with these ideas and make an impactful statement about globalization.
College is a time for exploration, and studying abroad is one of the best ways to do it. Students can gain exposure to diverse cultures while making lifelong friendships that will last a lifetime.
2. Intercultural Communication
An important goal of studying abroad programs is exposing students to the culture of their host country, which brings academic topics alive in ways textbooks or lectures cannot. Students also gain valuable experiences appreciating different cultures and viewpoints – an invaluable skill set that will prepare them for jobs requiring collaboration across borders.
Intercultural communication refers to the study of how people from different cultures communicate between themselves. This encompasses both verbal and nonverbal exchanges and can be applied in many different situations, such as businesspeople collaborating via videoconference with foreign colleagues or students traveling to foreign cities for an internship or research project.
One of the key aspects of intercultural communication includes understanding when it is best to ask open-ended or yes/no questions and answers. Furthermore, understanding when and how to use humor may also prove invaluable when engaging people from various countries.
Students on study abroad programs face one of the greatest obstacles: understanding cultural differences. Culture shock can be common; therefore it is vital that they learn how to cope with it effectively. By asking open-ended questions they can develop intercultural communication skills while also increasing understanding of their host culture by listening attentively and watching others’ behavior.
Professionals working in international education have long recognized that it can be easy for students on study abroad programs to focus on superficial aspects of culture – like food, festivals and fashion – or on monuments, mansions and museums; but they have also realized there is great potential for deeper intercultural impact, making it essential that study abroad professionals facilitate opportunities for deeper intercultural impactful learning experiences.
Studying abroad programs give students a unique experience of language immersion and demonstrate to employers their resilience and independence; both valuable attributes in employees.
3. Personal Growth
Study abroad programs not only provide academic learning but can also offer life experiences that will allow you to grow personally in terms of confidence, leadership skills and ability to adapt quickly to unfamiliar situations – invaluable skills that can benefit any career or relationship as well as create a more rounded person overall.
Study abroad programs often allow you to meet people from around the world. This may happen through your school program (which typically features participants from all around), or third-party providers with connections at universities overseas. Many study abroad students end up making lifelong friendships that pave the way to long-term international networking opportunities.
Living abroad will force you to step outside your comfort zone and take on new challenges that wouldn’t normally present themselves at home. Doing this will teach you independence and the skills to solve problems on your own, giving you the confidence to travel even post-college graduation.
Wherever you study abroad, you are sure to encounter various teaching methods and professors with various approaches to subjects. While initially it might seem intimidating, you will soon come to appreciate how different approaches can deepen your understanding of a topic.
Studying abroad can be an ideal opportunity to expand your horizons and discover something new, making for a fun and stimulating experience that graduate schools will consider positively when considering your application for admission.
Studying abroad may seem like an attractive option to many students, but it’s essential that they carefully consider all of their options prior to making any definitive decisions. As studying abroad is an expensive experience, consulting your advisor prior to making any firm plans may be wise. You should also research scholarships that might apply towards your program of choice using our Scholarship Search Tool; using it may reveal awards tailored specifically towards meeting your goals.
4. International Experience
Many study abroad programs involve in-the-field learning experiences to amplify and augment your classroom education. You could take a field trip as part of your world history course, visit an art class that includes visiting Roman Colosseum or travel on your day off to a new city for cultural experiences or natural attractions – this makes studying abroad even more memorable!
As part of your study program, if it requires you to live in the host country during your stay, you will become part of an international academic community – this can be invaluable when applying to graduate school as it shows your commitment and enthusiasm for exploring the ideas of others.
Experience living abroad will bring its own set of unique challenges, but living there will only expand and broaden your horizons as an individual. From learning a foreign public transportation system or connecting with native speakers of a language you are trying to learn, to trying unfamiliar foods or experiencing differences in religion and gender roles; all are fantastic opportunities for personal development that make studying abroad so enriching.
Study abroad programs will create unforgettable memories that you and your family will treasure forever. From meeting students from around the globe to exploring your host city alone or with others – study abroad programs provide unique experiences that set applicants apart when job hunting.
There are numerous study abroad programs available, so take time to determine which are most suitable to your interests and the ones that might fit best with them. Many colleges provide study abroad experiences as part of their curriculum; you may choose a destination related to either your major or broader interest in world issues. Some students opt to spend their senior year at a foreign university; others enroll in semester or year-long programs. Immersion programs allow language learning while traveling through unfamiliar lands with locals living there as hosts.
