study abroad

College Study Abroad Programs

October 27th, 2009 |

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. Personal growth. In addition to developing friendships that tend to last a lifetime, other effects of international study are measurable. Learning in the midst of a different culture, often even a different language, can lead to an increase in the ability to comprehend. What’s more, college students’ overall view of the world evolves to include compassion in areas that didn’t impact them on their home soil. Things like self reliance and independence levels are raised in the process.

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. Travel will expand your view of your career options. More often than not, college students who have studied abroad either decide to continue their education beyond what they previously planned or change their area of study to something that they feel will be more fulfilling.

The longer the student spends time away from their base campus, the more likely the benefits are to increase. The average length of stay over the past few decades has shortened considerably. Whereas the majority of college students used to study abroad for a full academic year, now the average stay is under ten weeks. Nonetheless, similar benefits are still reported.

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.

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.