The Benefits to Studying Abroad

Photo courtesy of Brown University.

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Ellie Curtis

The idea of studying abroad is appealing to many people. Spending time in a foreign country can seem picturesque and exciting. Here’s a few reasons why you should consider studying abroad in high school, college, or at any time in your life!

  1. Experience and Learn About Different Cultures

America is known as a melting pot of cultures, and we have our own unique customs like any other country. However, it is interesting and important to experience different cultures throughout the world. There is so much you can learn about people from visiting different countries, and learning how others live. Learning to live and study in a different culture can be daunting at first. You might not know what the “do’s and don’ts” of every country are, but by studying abroad, you can have these worldly experiences. It’s possible to study and visit countries where your family immigrated from, which can be fascinating to learn about the culture and lives of your ancestors.

  1. Learning New Languages

Many people chose to study abroad because they want to learn a foreign language. It seems cliche, but knowing more than one language is such an important skill. Besides being a fun fact that you can brag about to friends and family, being able to speak a different language opens up new opportunities. Certain jobs may admire applicants who speak different languages because they have connections across the world. 

  1. A Deeper Understanding of the World Around You

By studying abroad, or even visiting different countries, you can learn so much. Whether it be about history, art, architecture, or languages, you become a worldly person. Understanding the world around you, and being interested in learning about it, is so exciting. Not everyone has the privilege to study abroad, but to those who go, it’s interesting to learn about the country you’re visiting. For example, if you visit London, there are hundreds of museums, landmarks, and places to go and learn about this historic and influential country.

Whether it be in high school, college, or at a different time in your life, there are many ways one can study abroad. There are programs through high schools and universities, and even unique study abroad programs like Semester at Sea.