Study abroad has had a slight change in the last few years. Some people who have planned to travel during their years at college sadly were not able to. Finally, study abroad has opened up in various locations! Traveling can be scary, especially to a foreign country alone without your friends and family, but traveling is a fantastic experience. Why should I go across the country and study when I can just study where I am comfortable? Step out of your comfort zone!
Learning in a foreign country is probably one of the coolest ways to step out of your comfort zone. Some schools have programs that only last three weeks. My university has a program like this, and I was able to go to Costa Rica! Although it was only three weeks, I made memories that will last forever! I gained so much from that experience and cannot wait to see what adventures I can create in the spring semester. Here are my top five reasons why you should make studying abroad on your list of things to do in college!
1. Making friends
Making friends is always the most important thing! You are going to meet so many amazing people from all over the world. For example, if you are going to Italy, you might have a roommate from France or Ireland. That is already two different cultures you have immersed with besides the one you might be studying in. When I traveled to Costa Rica, it was a university service trip. Which means only people from the university can attend. I met some fantastic people who I still see on campus every day. Some of them are now my best friends, and I am so grateful I could get an opportunity of a lifetime.
2. Make connections
College is all about making connections. Studying in another country will allow you to learn information you might not learn in your current university. Being an advertising major, I think it will be super beneficial to learn how the other side of the world advertises for their companies. There are study abroad programs for almost every major, and you are able to study in a country for what it is known for. For example, if you are a biology major, you can study in the Galapagos Islands, or if you are a fashion major, you can go to Milan. These are all amazing opportunities that you cannot do simply from a classroom. You will learn so much from this experience!
3. learning a new language
Language is the most common form of communication. Learning another language is great for job opportunities. Studying in another culture with a completely different language is the best way to learn that language. Not only will you be surrounded by that language, but you will also need to be able to read menus, talk to people, and understand what people are saying to you. Language is an amazing way to meet new people and emerge yourself within the new culture.
4. step out of your comfort zone
Studying abroad can definitely be scary. Going to a place with unfamiliar faces and unfamiliar surroundings will definitely help you get out of your comfort zone. Although it could be scary at times, you will laugh about it later. The experiences you create are going to make up for all the cultural shock you go through at the start. You might never want to leave and end up moving there after you have finished up your college career.
5. travel
Traveling is the best way to learn. The best time to travel is when you are young and have no responsibilities. While studying in the country of your choice, you can even go on weekend trips and visit other countries. Going to different museums, road trips, swimming in the beautiful oceans, climbing mountains, whatever it may be, you will find the perfect trip for you!
Studying in Barcelona in the spring semester. I decided to go to Barcelona because they had an amazing communications program. I also wanted to become fluent in Spanish. I cannot wait for the amazing adventures and all the amazing people I am going to meet!