A Must-Do in College!

The opportunity to study abroad is one that EVERY single college student should invest in seizing. There is no better way than to broaden your mind, to become more cultured, to become more educated than being taken out of your comfort zone and embracing a different culture and a different style of life. Almost every person that I have spoken to that has studied abroad has returned with unforgettable memories, priceless stories to share, new friendships, and the immense desire to return one day when given another chance.

Money should not be an excuse to deprive yourself of such a fantastic experience. Money exists everywhere and many generous people are willing to donate it for a good and meaningful cause. If educating yourself with a valuable and educational experience is important to you then persistence and courage are two traits I recommend adopting before venturing in this process. Scholarships, financial aid, loans, savings, fundraising engagements…the means to making this voyage possible are endless. If you have not done so already, I suggest you find a class of interest (a general elective, a language, a class for a major or minor, etc) you would like to study in a foreign country (whether it’s in Asia, South America, Europe, the US for non-Americans, or Australia), find a program that caters to that interest, and begin initiating the steps to achieving the fulfillment of this amazing opportunity.

Let’s face it, while many of us aspire to “travel the world” once we graduate, we must first save a ton of money before embarking on such a costly trip. And if we start stepping into the real world of marriage, kids, a full-time job, payment of bills, when will we find the time to make this dream a reality? Upon graduation, it is a lot harder to become qualified for scholarships and impossible to receive government grants. And as fun and exciting as sightseeing and visiting landmarks is, no experience is comparable to the one in which you have to take a class in a foreign university and remain immerse in the country and the culture for more than 4 weeks.

Studying abroad is not only an educational experience but it is also a self-discovering personal one. Meeting people with a different point of view, learning to adapt to any situation, and trying new things are all essential skills that I guarantee will be useful for a lifetime. This experience makes life that much more valuable.

In the words of Nike Corporations, Just Do it. You won’t be disappointed. If you have any fears of flying, of entering a country that is not America or your home, of being unsafe, put those fears aside. And take a risk. Believe me, the gains WILL outweigh the costs. If you have no time, make time. If you can’t during undergrad, then try in graduate school. This world offers so many chances to explore its wonders, but it’s up to us to take the initiative and discover them. Don’t allow yourself to wish you had taken this chance and regret it when you’re too old sitting in a rocking chair with grandchildren on your side. Regret damages the heart. Do it while you can because believe it or not, time does run out. And if you’re young and healthy, take that energy abroad. You’ll see what fascinating adventures and encounters await you.