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Is studying abroad is good choice for just anyone?
Hello, i'm a junior and I am not sure where I want to go after HS. I am still debating if college should be an option or not, and I would love to travel, see the world, make a difference. Thank you.
#travel #business #art #entrepreneurship #abroad
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7 answers
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Samantha’s Answer
Even if you don't formally study abroad, there are many programs that allow you to complete an internship abroad. I unfortunately didn't have enough time to study abroad during college, but I was able to spend a summer interning in Israel. I really enjoyed my experience and felt it helped enhance my global perspective. I'd definitely recommend spending at least some time abroad if possible, even if it's not a full semester.
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Chris’s Answer
I went to Penn State and took Japanese with mostly financial motivations, but I learned about a study abroad program and spent a year studying in Japan and it changed my life. I loved it. Other than my involvement in CRU in college, it was the single best thing in college for me. I would highly recommend it. I lived with two different host families and would suggest the same. I have a friend whose daughter has done some exchange with Spain that was outside of college so you may also be able to do that. I would say to do your research and get some referrals if you are looking at an independent program and be careful. To keep costs down, you may be able to investigate what your community colleges offer in your area as far as exchange programs. In general CC is a great way to keep costs down for the first two years and then if you are able to get some grants etc, you may graduate with very little college debt. Also, you may find that the CC's have partnerships with the college of your choosing anyway and most of your credits will count or transfer, etc to your eventual 4 year college.
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Jill’s Answer
Traveling in general is a great way to build skills in thinking broadly/differently, being agile and adaptable, having a personal connection with someone unlike you, (and I'm sure lots more!), which all have great applications to future job success. It does this by putting you in situations where familiar problems are approached differently (e.g. negotiating prices in various Mumbai food stalls rather than a single stop shop at Trader Joes). It's uncomfortable and pushes you to think and react differently. Any opportunity to travel will help you learn something (even within the US!) but you'll find greater learning will come from being out for a longer duration, travel for set purposes (e.g. study abroad, work abroad, versus tourism), and/or travel in cultures that have higher degrees of difference from your own. Whatever you have the opportunity to do, enjoy the learning experience! :)
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Rebecca’s Answer
I think studying abroad is an amazing experience. I went away to Italy when I was a sophomore and it was so good to step outside of my comfort zone. I talked a lot about this during interviews as well when I was graduating college and it was something that employers really liked to see. It is not necessary to get a job but it is something that shows your agility and flexibility.
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Alyson’s Answer
I agree with the previous comments - studying abroad is a life changer and highly recommended. You get to see and experience other cultures, exposes you to so many learning opportunities- outside of the classroom. It also helps show how you can do anything - being outside of your comfort zone builds so much character. I spent a semester in London and traveled around Europe most every weekend I was there, I’ve now been working overseas for 10 years. It has changed my life, and so glad I went this route.
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Sophia’s Answer
I will agree with the points Chris mentioned! I too studied abroad in college and I would recommend it to just about anyone. There are so many different places you can go, programs, and financial options to suit anyone's needs. I went to Hong Kong, which was great for me as it was out of my comfort-zone but still accessible as a primarily english speaker. When researching universities, I would keep your interest in mind and make sure to ask questions about the university's specific programs - are they true exchange programs with international universities, or are they "partner programs"? "Exchange programs" allow you to directly enroll as an international student, while "partner programs" are typically more expensive and are not always true functioning universities. However, you will get college credits for both, so it is whatever works for you!
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Masy’s Answer
Taking a semester abroad or just being able to travel outside the country if you're able, is definitely highly recommended. It opens you up to different cultures, not only in a work environment but observing how other people live their daily lives. This opens up our minds to what is out there outside of our world, and can give you opportunities in the future to blend in better in different work settings. Also, I highly recommend learning foreign languages. I can now understand up to 7 languages in varying degrees of proficiency, and most of it I took up as a hobby because of my love for travel and culture and an avid interest in the world around me. This really helped me get a foot into some work opportunities that I may not have been called for an interview for, if not for these in my resume'.