Foreign exchange programs aren't just for the lucky few anymore. In fact, the academic world has well-documented the benefits to all involved and are working toward making studying abroad more available for the masses. Studying on foreign soil is as old as apprentices journeying to craftsmen to learn a trade, except today's students are packing up to learn from the masters regarding art, science, math and even medicine. Here are just a few of the perks you can expect to gain in addition to knowledge (and some frequent flier miles):
1. An overwhelming majority of college students report a sense of personal growth. As a student, they will need to stretch their comprehension skills as they learn to cross language barriers and culture differences. There's also a general feeling that their worldview and tolerance has broadened, which leads to increased maturity at an earlier age. Friendships developed while studying abroad tend to last a lifetime which keeps the global influence alive when making everyday decisions.
2. You will represent your country with all that you do. College students abroad are given opportunities to extend diplomacy with every interaction they have. You'll have the opportunity to become what could be some people's first (and maybe only) dealings with an American citizen. While you'll be learning, you could also be teaching at the same time. In the process your world view will change and you'll have a unique opportunity to reflect on your value system.
3. A sharper view of future goals. The majority of American college students return home with a renewed passion to extend their learning by going to graduate school. Some even come back with a completely new career path that they might not have ever realized if they'd not journeyed a far.
Whereas international study programs used to be primarily a year long, today there are ample opportunities for ten or even six-week courses. If you can swing it, try to stay as long as possible. The longer your experience, the more likely these benefits will positively impact you.
Your advisor is the place to start. He or she will have the necessary applications for you and advise you about credit hours and even the possibility of financial aid funds that transfer. You have everything to gain. - 31376
1. An overwhelming majority of college students report a sense of personal growth. As a student, they will need to stretch their comprehension skills as they learn to cross language barriers and culture differences. There's also a general feeling that their worldview and tolerance has broadened, which leads to increased maturity at an earlier age. Friendships developed while studying abroad tend to last a lifetime which keeps the global influence alive when making everyday decisions.
2. You will represent your country with all that you do. College students abroad are given opportunities to extend diplomacy with every interaction they have. You'll have the opportunity to become what could be some people's first (and maybe only) dealings with an American citizen. While you'll be learning, you could also be teaching at the same time. In the process your world view will change and you'll have a unique opportunity to reflect on your value system.
3. A sharper view of future goals. The majority of American college students return home with a renewed passion to extend their learning by going to graduate school. Some even come back with a completely new career path that they might not have ever realized if they'd not journeyed a far.
Whereas international study programs used to be primarily a year long, today there are ample opportunities for ten or even six-week courses. If you can swing it, try to stay as long as possible. The longer your experience, the more likely these benefits will positively impact you.
Your advisor is the place to start. He or she will have the necessary applications for you and advise you about credit hours and even the possibility of financial aid funds that transfer. You have everything to gain. - 31376
About the Author:
Jim Hart has been the director of academic advising at a medium-sized university for eight years. His interests include student exchange programs, online college graduate degrees, career advising, online degrees in the sciences, and CLEP examinations.
