If you talk to anyone who has studied abroad, chances are they will tell you their experience was life-changing and well worth any of the obstacles they may have faced.
In case you need any more convincing, here are our top five reasons why you should study abroad.
Build your resume and develop valuable skills for your future career
Sure you could stay on campus for all years of your degree, but that may not be enough to compete in this global economy where companies work with international clients, have global operations, and employ people from different cultures. Studying abroad is an investment in your future. Not only does it highlight your interest in other cultures, and other languages, but also your ability to adapt to a new environment. Some of our programs even offer internships, which means you could show futures employers how you can succeed in a professional setting abroad.
Make new friends from around the world and build your global network
Expand your connections by befriending other local and international students, professors, or employers and colleagues. Your international education experience will help you establish strong relationships that could last a lifetime.
It’s the best way to learn a foreign language
Immerse yourself in a different culture to ensure that you regularly hear and speak the language you are trying to learn in its native environment. Talk about a marketable skill! Of course, there are plenty of opportunities to study abroad in English, too.
Boost your self-confidence and independence
Discover new strengths and skills, conquer new challenges, and solve new problems. You will encounter completely new situations and gain a broader perspective of the world and the United States while learning to adapt to a new environment.
It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience
Imagine yourself sipping a coffee on the Plaza de España in Spain, hiking to Table Top Mountain for a sunrise over Cape Town, or walking along the Great Wall of China. These are opportunities you shouldn’t miss. Who knows what you will be doing postgraduation? New responsibilities will make it more difficult to get away for any length of time and immerse yourself in a hands-on experience in a foreign culture.
Now that you have read our top reasons to go, here are your next steps to make it happen.
- Attend the Spring 2017 Study Abroad Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, January 25, in Hodges Library.
- Start your search on the Programs Abroad website.
- Stop by the Center for International Education from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, located in Melrose Hall beside Hodges Library, to browse our brochures and talk with a peer advisor.
- Attend a general information session at 2 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and schedule an appointment with a Programs Abroad coordinator to talk more about specific programs.
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Visiting a castle in Fassen, Germany Talk with your academic advisor about how studying abroad will fit into your track to graduate.
- Follow the Programs Abroad office on social media and sign up for the monthly newsletter.
