Studying abroad is more than just "broadening your horizons." It will advance you in more ways than you can imagine - personally, socially, educationally and professionally. The world now needs people that are internationally educated. Place yourself ahead of the competition!
Find Out Who You Are and What You Believe In
What are your limits? What can you overcome? How far can you stretch yourself? How independent can you be? Only space and time away from the "comfort zone" of home and the US allow you to explore who you are and become more confident about the unique individual that is you!
Understand Where You’re From
There is no doubt that you will reflect on your life in the USA while abroad. You will learn to treasure and appreciate all that our country represents and offers us, while at the same time, you will learn that the American way is not always the right way. You will figure out that there are so many ways to view the world and that your own view is just one view. What an eye-opener studying abroad can be!
Make Friends from Around the World!
Getting to know your new peers will give you a unique perspective on the host culture. When else are you going to have the opportunity to dance until 6am every weekend or sit around drinking coffee at a café with your new international friends? Discover not only the differences, but also the many similarities between your worlds. The friendships you make will last long after the program and your mailbox at home will soon be filled with letters from your new pen pals!
Strengthen Your Social Skills
Not only will you gain confidence and independence, but you will also improve your communication skills. By living and constantly interacting with people from another culture, you will learn a lot about how you communicate both verbally and nonverbally. You will see an improvement in your day-to-day interaction with peers and co-workers.
Truly Learn a Language
Sitting in a classroom listening to other Americans misuse and mispronounce words just does not compare to hearing natives speak the language to you everyday. By immersing yourself in the language you will see your language ability improve dramatically!
Earn Credit for Your Degree
Why not take classes you have to take at home anyway? Not only will you earn credits for language, liberal arts and sciences classes, study abroad may even be required for your degree program.
Increase Your Cultural Awareness
Study abroad and you'll actually be walking the pages of history yourself and not just reading about it in your textbook. Experience first-hand all of the things that you have learned about in the classroom. See the world's greatest architecture and monuments...try new food.....enjoy a different climate.....hear foreign accents. See what you've only seen in postcards and history books!
Build Your Resume
Get an international university on your resume! By studying abroad, you will be making yourself more marketable. Having had this experience shows that you are eager to learn and willing to try new things, which are desirable qualities in an employee. You will also be setting yourself apart from the hoards of other recent graduates in the job search.
