Studying abroad is that really interesting thing that intrigues you when you first hear about it, but end up never seriously considering it. It seems like a great idea, but you simply don’t have time to think about doing something like that. Well, why not? Perhaps you may not know a whole lot about studying abroad, or you don’t know the incredible benefits that come with studying abroad. The reality is: studying abroad is one of the most life-changing things you can do in your college career. Want to know the great ways that studying abroad can benefit you? Let me share a few big points with you.
Why Should You Study Abroad?
Photo Courtesy of London Donson
One big reason why studying abroad is beneficial is because of the culturally rich experience you receive. Sacramento State offers three different study abroad programs that let you choose between 60 different countries to transfer to. These programs include the exchange programs, the CSU international programs, and USAC. The education you receive internationally reaches a lot deeper than just the education from the classroom. Your experience seeing and living in another country helps to develop cultural competence, personal and professional growth, and the overall expansion of your horizons.
Photo Courtesy of London Donson
Another reason why it is significantly beneficial to study abroad is that you are given the option to stay for either one semester or for a whole academic year (two semesters). This means that if you’re interested in studying in a different country but was held back by the amount of time you’d stay there, now you have options to stay for a shorter amount of time. It also means that if you’re interested in studying abroad but want an option to stay for a longer period of time, there is an option for you too! These time options help hesitant students become more comfortable with the idea of studying in a different country.
Photo Courtesy of Shawntay Arroyo
This is something most students probably don’t think about, but studying abroad is a great thing to put on your resume. You’d be surprised by how much you learn simply by navigating a foreign country. You learn valuable communication skills not learned anywhere else, and that’s a valuable asset to any job you might be applying for. Not to mention, including study-abroad experience on your resume demonstrates extreme adaptability. It’s the little things you may not think about when studying abroad that can look amazing on your resume and entice future employers.
Photo Courtesy of Shawntay Arroyo
One financially beneficial reason to study abroad is the extensive amounts of scholarships provided for many of the programs. These scholarships range from specific fields of study to no specific field of study, meaning anyone can apply for the scholarships! Making the experience more affordable is a reason anyone and everyone should go out of their comfort zone and study abroad. Not only that but depending on the country that you transfer to, the transfer rate could lead you to save money that way too! The exchange rate is another important factor to take into account when living in a different country and may teach you a valuable lesson on money saving.
Studying abroad isn’t just for some people; It’s for everyone. The great thing about the Sacramento State study abroad program is the diversity of options that work for anyone and everyone interested in participating. If you’re interested in learning more about how to apply for a program, the International Programs & Global Engagement Classroom located in Library 1001 hosts information sessions for anything you might have questions about. If you’d like to read more about it click here. Studying abroad comes with countless benefits that you will carry with you throughout your lifetime, and is a once in a lifetime opportunity you shouldn’t miss out on!
To keep up-to-date on what these programs are doing throughout the year, follow them on these social media handles:
IG: @intlhornets and @hornetsabroad
Twitter: @IntlHornets and @HornetsAbroad
Facebook: Sac State Study Abroad and Sacramento State International