Benefits of Studying Abroad - Essay Example

Benefits of Studying Abroad Introduction In recent years the pressure for to broaden their horizons through foreign exchange programs has greatly increased. The competitive environment for admission to graduate schools, coupled with an increasing competition for jobs has made it essential for students to distinguish themselves. However, the recent economic recession has challenged previous assumptions about the relevancy of international study, and has led many to question whether the benefits are worth the often steep costs. This essay considers a number of important elements that demonstrate international study is an essential component of any university education and results in long-term benefits well worth the costs incurred. Globalization of Cultures Study abroad programs engender a greater sense of acceptance and diversity, and promote a globalized world. However, certain groups do not agree with globalization, nor do they agree with the need to have the use of exchange programs because of a series of reasons. I feel that the exchange programs should be continued and increased around the world because it is important for students to have a global education. Moreover, exchange programs are important for rampant peace because of fusing different cultures. The exchange programs fuse different cultures. The students studying abroad are exposed to a multitude of cultural influences. The exchange students gain a deep image and better understanding of their own culture. These ways students understand the difference between cultures, making a way for peace. Indeed, recent reports by the National Association of International Educators (NAFSA) indicate that the contemporary United States workforce lacks the skills that are only gained through international study. The reports states, “Our leaders have stated time and time again the lack of language and cultural skills among our citizens to effectively serve our national interests, and that desperate search continues today.  According to an August 2007 U.S. GAO Report, almost a third of all State Department officers in language-designated positions overseas do not meet the necessary foreign language requirements, and that figure is even higher in the Middle East and Asia.”1 Ultimately, it’s clear that studying abroad is essential for both the students’ development and for the well-being of their country. Challenges of Adaptation Students also gain the ability of adaptation, independent thinking, and build self-sacrifice. Students must learn to survive in the new culture. They alone have to endure the consequences of their choices. However, the groups against exchange programs argue that when students try to adapt to a different culture they experience problems such as "cultural shock".2 It might take a while to adjust to the new style of living that the exchange student will experience during the time that they are abroad. This adjustment is a rite of passage. Learning to absorb the culture rather than looking strangely upon it is something that may be difficult. However, once an eye-opening initiation has taken place a person will view things in the world differently for the rest of their life. Some students may be initially shocked but initiation takes place when the student replaces past conceptions with new and interesting experiences that could not be attained in the students native environment. A recent research analysis reported a number of personal benefits students gain from exchange programs, including: “Increase your self-confidence; Gain independence and maturity; Grow your global network of friends; Gain better appreciation of other cultures as well as your own; Be prepared to face challenges in the future; Learn to creatively solve problems; Better understand your personal strengths and weaknesses.”3 Arguments against exchange programs state that it’s unsafe for students to be in a country they do not know. However, the students should know the country’s healthcare centers and unsafe places before settling-in to the host country. By wandering, talking with or asking a friend, a great amount of insight about one’s surroundings can be developed. The organizations that sponsor exchange programs also often have a handbook for students. However, the ultimate responsibility belongs to the student. If the student does not care about advice given by instructors and behaves without thinking, it is inevitable for him to have problems in any environment. Moreover, the student must educate himself. While the campuses are organized for exchange students with services and special security, these services and securities cannot save the students outside of campus. Communication If a different language is spoken in the host country, communicating efficiently can be a problem. For an entire lifetime the person has been surrounded by all the things that they know and love. Interviews with previous exchange students have revealed that at first it can be difficult to meet people but soon it becomes increasingly easy. Many times when a student goes on a study abroad trip, they are all alone in a completely new environment. However, just as Americans are interested in people from other walks of the world, so are other people from other countries interested in foreigners. As long as the student keeps an open mind, they can easily meet people simply because of the curiosity of others. When a good friend is met, the friend can act as a mentor and help the student meet more friends. Initiation occurs when a student breaks the shell and ventures out for people to meet.4 To get used to a different culture the students learn that culture. Different cultures have different ways of looking at and valuing life, and have different outlooks and perspectives that are embodied in their ways of thinking, behaving, and communicating. This is what students gain from exchange programs. Culture A cultural aspect that is very different in almost every part of the world is food. Eating strange food can be very hard to do, especially if it is not exactly the best of a lifetime. While many students are reluctant to try new foods at first, experimenting happens when the student is so hungry that they to learn to like the food, or when open mind initiation occurs; unless of course the student is in one of the many countries of the world that happens to have a McDonalds! Being in a foreign exchange program and experiencing a diverse range of foods is an opportunity that most students do not have a chance to take. Course Difficulty It has been asserted that students face problems such as irrelevant course selection. In other words, the course that is offered at the host university may not be acceptable or relevant to the students major or course of study. The universities might also not be compatible so the student misses some classes in his or her own university. Thus, after the student returns to his or her country, the student must retake those classes. However, the student has received an education by selecting courses, programs and academic learning of a sort not possible on the home campus. Peterson’s Study Abroad gives a broad overview of steps students must take to ensure they reap the maximum credit benefits and concludes, “Students who understand the kinds of credit available in study abroad and how to arrange for that credit usually do quite well, returning home not only with fond memories, increased global awareness, and personal growth but also with a vital addition to their academic records.”5 The programs, courses and academic lectures prepare the student by giving them a chance to have experiences outside his or her major. Career Preparation By having a chance to select courses, programs and academic learning not possible on the home campus, students have a chance for a career preparation by learning cross-cultural and work-place skills. During experimentation in a different country, the student learns how to be practical and "on-the-job", and gains the ability to possibly make first-hand contact with other cultures in his or her major. By this, the student prepares his or her career by gaining cross-cultural skills. Indeed, the Institute for the International Education of Students (EIS) conducted surveyed past participants regarding their experiences and future career developments after studying abroad. The report indicates that 84% of students claim their experience abroad significantly influence their future academic choices and course selections.6 Many sentiments were similar to those expressed by Gary Abramson, who stated, “My semester [abroad] launched me into a personal and professional involvement with Spain that has already lasted 25 years. A political science lecture in Madrid about U.S. and Spanish involvement in an obscure war in Sahara … led to a graduate fellowship to Spain and North Africa, which led to work as a foreign correspondent based in Spain.” 7 Conclusion While exchange programs have been derided because of the problems that students face with cultural shock and incompatible classes, students gain the ability to think creatively, analytically, and systematically about global issues. The exchange programs provide a way for peace, so they are important for the globalized contemporary environment. For most students, the experience of studying abroad is very different from things they are used to experiencing. They go through a number of initiations that will mold them into well rounded individuals. Their eyes are opened to new perspectives, meet new friends, learn to communicate efficiently, and participate in a new way of life. References Diversity Abroad. ‘Study Abroad Benefits’ http://www.diversityabroad.com/study- abroad/benefits-to-study-abroad, Feb. 2010 Dwyer, Mary M., Peters, Courtney K. The Benefits of Study Abroad http://www.transitionsabroad.com/publications/magazine/0403/benefits_study_abroad.shtml, Feb 2010 NAFSA. Public Policy Benefits of Studying Abroad. Public Policy. http://www.nafsa.org/public_policy.sec/study_abroad_2/benefits_of_study_abroad/, Feb. 2010. Mirsky, Kelly. Study Abroad: How to Get the Most Out of Your Experience. Prentice Hall, 2002. Peterson. Study Abroad 2006. Peterson’s, 2005. P. 8 Williamson, Wendy. Study Abroad 101. Agapy Publishing, 2004. Read More