Introduction
We have often heard words like, “You must go abroad to study. It will change your life. You’ll come back as a new person.”
So, how is it that studying abroad can impact your life so greatly? Let’s try and understand.
According to a study conducted by the Institute for the International Education of Students (IES Abroad), alumni from all IES Abroad study abroad programs from 1950 to 1999 were surveyed. Results were regardless of where students studied and for how long. Data was collected from the more than 3,400 respondents. This data revealed that studying abroad is usually a defining moment in a young person’s life and continues to impact the participant’s life for years after the experience.
If we were to explore the long-term impact of studying abroad on a student’s personal, professional, and academic life, interesting facts are revealed. We discover that studying abroad positively and unequivocally influences the career path, world-view, and self-confidence of students.
Personal Growth
Studying abroad affords opportunities for immense personal growth. The experience of a unique space and exploring another culture makes a huge difference. It fosters long-lasting friendships, which are particularly poignant and enduring as time passes.
Intercultural Development
One of the major goals of studying abroad is to train future global leaders to be more effective, respectful of other cultures. Plus they understand political and economic systems, and learn to take a stand for the world’s welfare, not just what benefits a specific country. Learning or at least understanding the language of the country you study in is another very important benefit.
Longer Stays Mean Greater Benefits
Long term educational programs often translate into more significant academic learning. And they impact cultural development and personal growth in a more holistic manner. Understanding new cultural systems and values by staying in a foreign country is definitely a learning curve.
Importance of Internships
All students hope to gain the most career impact from studying abroad. Therefore, they must choose an internship as part of their curriculum.
A Lifetime of Benefits
Few other experiences in life have proven to generate such a positive and sustainable impact. As seen above, studying abroad offers so many life-changing and enduring academic, career, intercultural, personal, and social benefits. If students are willing to invest time and money in studying abroad for a collegiate career, all benefits must be kept in mind. Choose your college that aligns with your academic goals and can enhance your personality at the same time.
Life Lessons
Once you have lived away from the safe haven of your hearth and home, it makes you independent. Studying abroad prepares you better for adulting wherein you learn what it takes going forth as an adult.
All in all, every student must give this a shot at least once!