A large number of college students study abroad, and the amount of students who study abroad now is higher than it was 50 years ago. So why not you? There are many reasons that people use to convince themselves that studying abroad is not a good fit for them. In some cases, these reasons are valid, but in other cases, people have just convinced themselves that it is too difficult or too expensive. Some students think that because of their major, study abroad is impossible. Although I have not been in Delhi for a full week yet, I already know that I made the right decision in coming to India. I am excited for all the challenges it has to offer and I know that studying abroad will make me not only a better student, but also a more open-minded person. There are many benefits to studying abroad, and once you start you'll be hooked.
1. Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
I am not sure where I first heard this phrase, but I have heard it multiples times throughout my college career thus far, and this phrase is very applicable to studying abroad. Not only will you be learning a new culture, and possibly a new language, but you will also be in a new school system. A lot of weird, interesting, and hilarious things will happen when you put yourself out there and study abroad, and it’s probably going to make you feel uncomfortable. This word has such a negative connotation, but in this case it’s a good thing to feel a little discomfort. It will help you to deal with situations that may be less than ideal in the future and it will teach you how to problem solve. Riding in rickshaws has definitely been the experience that has pushed me this week with crazy Delhi traffic.
2. Open Your Mind
Studying abroad will allow you to meet new people, see new places, eat new foods, wear new clothes, and speak new languages. That’s a lot of new experiences and they will all change the way you look at yourself, your life, your country, your politics, and your education. An open mind is beneficial for any future learning or career goals and it will make your world view expand.
3. Friendships Across Borders
When you study abroad, you will meet new students from your college or colleges across the United States. These students will be the people who experience this new world with you and will understand your struggle as you go through withdrawal without french fries and easy Internet access. You will also meet friends that live in the country you are visiting, and these friends will show you the beauty and the awkwardness of cross-cultural relationships. Meeting new friends will only make your study abroad experience more meaningful.
4. Learn to Love Learning Again
Although it is hard to not plan your study abroad experience as a vacation, remember that you are traveling to study. Sometimes in college classes, the way that you learn the material is not the best way. Everyone learns differently, and it is very easy to fall into a rut of dreading class and deciding that reading yet another book about slavery just isn’t worth your time. Studying abroad will give you a new perspective on learning and the education system. I have found with most study abroad programs I have heard about, as well as the one I am currently in, that your learning will be much more interactive and personalized. When you make your learning your own and it is about something you care about, amazing things can happen. I think it’s worth it to step outside your comfort zone to see that learning comes in many forms.
5. Make Memories
Studying abroad will turn you into a storyteller. Everyday in India something new happens and I have another story to tell (if you do study abroad, keep a journal). Ultimately you will get out of your study abroad experience what you put into it, and if you push yourself outside your comfort zone, it can be messy, but it will definitely be memorable. The best stories come from the bizarre experiences that happen when you take risks.
If I could give any advice to my freshman self, I would say to study abroad once a year. Scholarships are available and if you want to study abroad, no matter what major you have, you can make it happen as long as you fight for it and find an advisor with your best interests at heart. Even if you think you don’t want to study abroad for a whole semester, look into programs during January or over the summer. Anyone can find the right program that fits their needs. So take the leap and study abroad; your adventure awaits.
