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Would you suggest taking a year to study abroad?

I absolutely love adventuring and the outdoors. I am part of the choir program and I have been a dancer for the last 14 years. I am totally a nature and science nerd! #science #study-abroad

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Doc’s Answer

As a busy student Reese, you may be worried about missing vital classes by studying abroad. But... an internship abroad may count as valuable credits that you could put towards your degree program.

SEE THE WORLD

Travel is, by far, the main reason that motivates people to pack up and move abroad. Sometimes, we just want to have a change of scenery: see new places, try new things, and wander about. Therefore, an international internship is the best way to do this! While the focus of the internship is to work and learn, you can still schedule your weekends for a mini-vacation to go for a hike, or take a road trip to visit a different city. You could even check out a neighboring country since you’re already in the area. Many of our travel-savvy interns book affordable weekend flights ahead of time and then head to the airport on Friday afternoons after work, luggage in hand. This is definitely one of the best benefits of an internship abroad! 

FIVE POSSIBLE BENEFITS OF INTERNSHIPS ABROUD

• PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE – One of the most popular reasons to intern abroad may be to gain professional experience. These programs often place you in real-world work scenarios, trying to match the position to your interests. This way, you may develop their professional knowledge of a field that you might pursue in the future. 

• TRANSFERABLE SKILLS – Since many of today’s employers are seeking flexible, globally-minded workers, an intern abroad opportunity could be a great way for you to acquire the kinds of transferable skills and knowledge that may be needed in the modern workplace. You might learn about different kinds of office cultures and work styles. And you might develop useful soft skills, such as communication, project management and more. 

• MAJOR APPLICATIONS – Additionally, international internships may relate directly to your major. This way, you could enhance lessons in the classroom with an understanding of its professional applications. For example, the following concentrations could give you the chance to expand your educational horizons during the internship abroad.

• LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE – Have you ever dreamt of speaking a new language? An internship abroad is your pathway to learning that language. Immersion is the fastest way to learn a foreign language since you will be hearing native speakers use the language every day in formal and informal settings. Whichever destination you choose, an internship abroad is an excellent platform to speak and learn a foreign language, and improve your English skills.

• GLOBEL AWARENESS – During your time abroad, you’ll start to notice the similarities and differences between your home in Idaho and the new place you are in. Inevitably, you will begin to compare both these countries in terms of societal norms, environmental habits or even the infrastructural composition. What’s great about this is that you'll start to view your own country with a new lens and begin to appreciate its unique beauty. You’ll develop a new level of understanding of your country and its people.

CIAO REESE

An international internship is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you will not regret. Although your focus there would be to develop yourself professionally, you will also discover yourself and find out what you are truly made of. As a result of doing an internship abroad will open your eyes to your industry, to global issues beyond your four walls. Truth be told, I can’t think of any reasons not to! You are at the peak of your almost-adulthood, and this is the time to make it worth the while!

I hope this was Helpful Reese
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Thank you comment icon Your Welcome Reese, It was my pleasure. Doc Frick
Thank you comment icon Thank You Mike. “Even if you just change one life, you’ve changed the world forever.” – Mike Satterfield Doc Frick
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Suddhasattwa’s Answer

Hi Reese,

Such a brilliant idea!

Its fascinating to know that Idaho is already such a beautiful place to live in, adventuring and enjoying the outdoor and also had been a dancer for last 14 years, sing in local choir program and a science nerd too. Its all the super cool qualities that will help you shine where ever you go for your abroad study and living.

- Study abroad program is the opportunity to see the world. By studying abroad, you will experience a brand-new countries with incredible new outlooks, customs and activities.
- Experience different styles of education, choose the major thats not available in your country.
- when you study abroad and leaving your home for the first time, you will be exposed their customs, traditions, and social atmospheres
- learn a new language, make new friends, be independent
- Needless to say that you will be a desirable candidate for the future job-market and above all you will have a new life experience that you will carry forever.

So go girl, choose your major, a good college, a place to live in with good multicultural people and let life take you to the next level.

All the very best,
Suddho
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Syed’s Answer

Hi Reese,

International experience is personally enriching and a great story to tell on applications and in interviews. If it makes financial sense, you should definitely consider study abroad opportunities. It’s harder to spend a year abroad later on in your career.
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Sappir’s Answer

You should absolutely do a study abroad year! Experiences like study abroad or even just travel abroad will only benefit you and enrich your experiences! You will meet some great people along the way and make memories that last a lifetime. I took a gap year after high school (many years ago) and I can still say with a full heart that it was the best year I have had- I met so many amazing new people, learned a lot, traveled and explored, tried amazing food and so much more. It's the best time to do it as well- before college or even during college when responsibilities in life are still relatively low. Find a place that interests you and go explore!
Thank you comment icon Thank you!! Reese
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Devin’s Answer

Studying abroad can be a fantastic opportunity for you as a student and as a person. I would strongly encourage you to take the chance and experience another community's culture. While you may be worried about falling behind, take a close look at your university's study abroad offerings as there is often a program that will not only keep you up to date with your classes, but may even get you ahead. You also have the option of taking shorter May or summer semesters abroad if you find that you want to be on campus as much as possible. Good luck!
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Martha’s Answer

Yes! As I read through the answers already written for you, I couldn't agree more. Travel and study abroad programs specifically, allow you to experience life and cultures in a way that living at home could not do. As an individual you become more independent and mature, you learn to appreciate different cultures, deal with unforeseen situations and learn from challenges and in the best of experiences make friends that last a lifetime.

Choosing a year program vs. a semester will be a question to discuss with your parents and college counselor. Budgets need to be consider as well as your overall objectives. Are you thinking of becoming fluent in a new language? Is the coursework offered in the foreign program in line with your academic/career goals? Are you the type of person that can live away from family for a prolonged period of time? These and other questions are all valid as you make your decision.

In my case, I did a semester abroad in Paris, France during my third year of undergraduate studies. I loved it so much that I opted to earn my MBA degree in a dual-degree program in France that was offered by my undergrad university. Once you live abroad, you may find that more doors will open for you as you move forward in your studies and in your career!

Best of luck with your future studies and your decision to explore the world!
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Michael’s Answer

Do you have the details planed - Why do you want to study abroad? Do you have a specific location and school?

Short answer - Yes.
Suggestion - if you do, please consider living among the locals and understand the culture to enrich yourself with this experience. I know someone who focused on studying and missed an great opportunity to enjoy the time away and learn from the locals.
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Yana’s Answer

I'd say Absolutely!
Traveling and studying abroad will broaden your horizons, expose you to new cultures and experiences.
If you have this opportunity and you are not afraid, you should go for it by all means! There is a lot you can learn for other cultures and will help you tremendously in your future career and might even influence your path going forward. Also in this Global World, it might even help you get a job if the company you apply to has satellite offices in that country.
Go for it.
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Valerie’s Answer

Absolutely! It will allow you to learn about different cultures, how to work, and interact with them. This will make a big difference on future job opportunities if there's ever a chance to work abroad. I was offered a job once that required travel to Japan, and Mexico. I was the top candidate because of my experience living abroad.

Best of luck!

Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! Reese
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Vic’s Answer

Hi Reese,

I debated this a lot when I was younger and decided to finally make the leap and go my senior year of college. I have found in life that when you go out of your comfort zone and do something that is scary/new/unfamiliar you truly push your boundaries and limits. On this line is where you truly learn who you are and what you are capable of. The amount of personal growth and development is accelerated like none other in a different country where you are forced to depend on yourself. This experience is invaluable and is something that is harder to do with age due to working full time/ having more high-stakes responsibilities.
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Casey’s Answer

Yes, I would 100% recommend going abroad. It will change your perspective on how you see things, especially if you go somewhere very different than where you live right now. Having that open mind and understanding different people's world views and experiences will help you in your career and in life!
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Yunna’s Answer

Yes, absolutely! You will gain an invaluable cultural experience and it looks great on a resume.
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Katherine’s Answer

Absolutely! Studying abroad was one of the best college experiences I had. You will learn so much, in school and in life.
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Anna’s Answer

Yes! Study abroad is most people's first opportunity to really immerse themselves in another culture. Aside from the classroom knowledge, you will gain:
-new friends from different parts of the world
-ability to travel more easily and cheaply from the school location
-more experience navigating situations independently
-maintaining some sense of structure while adventuring outside familiar places

I would consider several factors about the study abroad location - does the school have a good reputation? what does the coursework look like (is it aligned to your interests or college requirements)? is the school in a desirable location to live and serve as a base for travel? And other personal factors - do you know others (or others from your school) who have studied there before or will study the same time as you? what was their feedback? are you able to cover the expenses or obtain a loan?

Studying abroad can be a truly life changing experience. I hope you are able to participate!
Thank you comment icon thank you! Reese
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Mistie’s Answer

I would absolutely take the chance and study abroad if you have the opportunity. Being able to experience another culture and language will enrich your life and perspective about others. I lived overseas in 7 different countries over the course of my professional basketball career. I learned so much, and am able to appreciate the differences everyone brings to the table and the different ways we all experience the world.

Mistie recommends the following next steps:

Look into the countries you are most interested in based upon your educational goals
Speak to your mentors about their thoughts and concerns
Make the best decision for you and your future
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Tomiwa’s Answer

I would definitely suggest studying abroad! You will be introduced to new life experiences that you would not have been introduced to if you decide to study locally. For example, you will meet new people, learn how to live on your own, experience new culture's, and be more independent. All of my close friends that decided to leave home are really enjoying it, I now wish that I had gone to study abroad. Take the chance if it is available!
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