plant international meeting

Impressing prospective employers, learning another language and making friends across the globe are just a few good reasons to consider studying abroad while attending school. In fact, these perks are only the beginning of the benefits an international experience can provide to students in college, and even high school.
Learning does not occur in a vacuum; sometimes a classroom feels like one. Anyone who has ever sat through a 90-minute lecture knows that taking notes to the lull of a professor’s droning voice can leave you wondering why you bothered to show up to class at all.
Educators know that learning is a social activity; this is why so many classes require cooperative learning or discussion. Educational philosopher John Dewey believed that we learn by doing. His theory of experiential education is often a critical component of teacher preparation programs, and encourages students to experience what they are learning, instead of merely hearing or reading about it.
Imagine learning about the Sistine Chapel, and then staring up at it moments later. Imagine conjugating verbs in Spanish, and then ordering your meal in the native tongue in Barcelona. Imagine studying about hunter-gatherer cultures, and then visiting one in Tanzania. All of these are possible with a little research, an adventurous spirit and openness to trying new things.
If you still aren’t sold, here are a few more reasons to consider study abroad during your school years.
1. It looks great on a resume. In today’s job market, applicants need to stand apart from the crowd. Letting prospective employers know that you’ve spent time living in another country shows that you can adapt to new surroundings, are independent, and aren’t afraid to step out of your comfort zone. If you know another language, this is a bonus because it’s a skill most people do not possess. Living abroad isn’t always easy, and employers like to know that you are willing to take on challenges.
2. You can learn to speak a different language. If you decide to live in a non-English speaking country, you will quickly pick up the language. Things like buying groceries, going to the bank and speaking with the locals forces you to think in the native language, not quickly try to translate in your head. If you want to learn a language other than English, living in the country is the fastest way to do it.
3. You will get better at math. Yes, you read that right. You will spend a lot of time converting the local currency into dollars to see how much money you are spending on food, drink and souvenirs. Of course, you can take the easy route and get a currency converter app, but sometimes you’ll need to do it on the fly – and you’ll be glad you paid attention in math class.
4. Studying abroad can save you money. This statement probably seems like an outright lie, but it’s true. For example, I attended a private university as an undergraduate, but studied abroad through a program at a state school (and I lived in-state). The tuition for the semester was about a third of what I would have paid if I’d stayed in the U.S. In addition, I got a scholarship designed for students studying internationally. Researching scholarship opportunities like this is worth the time – earning one could mean saving thousands of dollars in loans later in life.
5. You will meet people from all over the world. Not only will you meet them, you’ll probably form lasting friendships. If you stay with a family, you will likely stay in contact with your hosts and visit them when you return to the country. There will also likely be students from other countries in your program who you will get to know and want to see again. Living abroad often gives people the travel bug, and when you are in a new place, knowing someone always helps.
6. You will learn and experience things you can’t at your home school. This is especially true if you choose a destination that fits with your interests and course of study. As I alluded to above, learning about the architecture of the Roman forum will mean something more if you are standing in the middle of it. Choose a program that offers excursions or off-campus lectures for a truly authentic experience.
7. Finding the time and money to travel will become more difficult as you get older. Once you enter the workforce you’ll probably have a job with limited vacation and limited pay. Get out and see the world before you graduate, when there are deals for students that don’t apply to adults. And when you have obligations like a mortgage, and a family to support, international travel probably won’t be a viable option.
8. You develop a new appreciation for home. For many people – especially college students – going home during breaks or vacations can be a bummer. You have to leave your friends and your independence behind, and follow your parents’ rules. Being away from family and friends for a semester or summer is difficult, and you may be homesick. But when you return, you’ll appreciate your loved ones, and even your hometown, in a totally different way.
Of course, there are many reasons not mentioned here to consider study abroad. This list highlights a few of the many benefits. Consider checking with your school’s study abroad office for more information, or your guidance counselor if you are a high school student. Happy traveling!