With clubs, midterms, jobs, and volunteering, it's undoubtedly hard to find time to even think about studying abroad. Still, studying abroad is a great opportunity for college students to explore the world. Here are 11 reasons why you should think about studying abroad if you haven't already.
1. It can fit easily into your academic schedule.
Yes, studying abroad can be as long as an entire year, but there are many programs that offer study abroad for one month, one semester, or one summer. At Hopkins, there are study abroad trips during Intersession, which is a great option for students who don't want to disrupt their academic work!
2. Studying abroad isn't just about taking pictures at touristy sites.
You can immerse yourself in a different culture, learn a foreign language, and earn credit for learning topics that you'll be able to apply to your experiences abroad. This Intersession, I will be participating in the Salamanca Program, and I'll have the chance to live in a Spanish family's home while earning six credits for two Spanish courses. Still think study abroad is only about buying souvenirs and taking pictures?
3. There are so many things to do!
You can take classes for credit, have an internship, do volunteer work, do research, or have a job abroad. What's more, the experiences you'll have abroad will be so much more different from any work or volunteer experience you'll have in the States!
4. It can open your eyes.
When I worked in India this summer, I learned to be more grateful for all that I have in my life: a roof over my head, the ability to have an education, and unlimited access to food. If you decide to embark on a journey abroad, whether it's studying, doing researching, or volunteering, you'll realize things that you didn't even have an inkling about before.
5. It doesn't need to be expensive!
There are so many scholarships for study abroad, and Hopkins' Office of Study Abroad is extremely helpful with any financial issues you may have. Some universities abroad are also known to have low tuition rates, such as schools in Germany! If you're planning on volunteering abroad, there are many programs that offer free trips, such as English Opens Doors.
6. Studying abroad can help you decide on a major.
When you study abroad, you can take a class that completely changes your mind about your major. Or, you can take a class that makes you fall in love with your major even more. The possibilities are endless. Maybe you'll even decide on pursuing a minor because of a class you take abroad!
7. You'll learn a lot more.
When you're taking a class in a foreign country, you'll be able to combine the information you gain from classwork with the knowledge you'll obtain from being in a different country. No matter what classes you decide to take, you'll never stop learning no matter what you're doing.
8. It's an unforgettable experience with friends.
Sure, you'll have plenty of memories with your friends in class, in the library, or in clubs. But studying abroad is completely different: You'll be able to share a new learning experience with your friends.
9. You'll do things you'd never imagine.
Back in India, I dissected an entire human cadaver, watched a C-section, and observed a gallstone removal. I would definitely have not been able to have these experiences in the States without a lot of paperwork, safety contracts, and emails to sift through. No matter where you study abroad, whether it's India, Fiji, or Italy, you'll have the opportunity to have these experiences that you never thought you could have.
10. You'll meet a huge amount of people.
You will make so many new friends you'll lose count. You'll also have the chance to meet and socialize with the locals, and develop friendships and connections across the world.
11. You'll fall in love with other cultures.
You will be completely immersed in a variety of cultures that you have most likely never known a lot about before. You'll fall in love with these cultures' food, literature, art, and lifestyles. Most importantly, from your love, you will realize how important it is to be aware of other cultures.
