Studying in a Foreign Country: A Life Altering Experience Full of Gifts

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Recommended: Personal experiences studying abroad

Want to widen the mind and experience the world at the same time? Studying abroad does just that. It’s a life time opportunity for students “…to discover new strengths and abilities, conquer new challenges, and solve new problems” (“10 Reasons…”). There are many benefits to studying abroad.

While studying abroad, students are more apt towards personal growth. “People who return from study abroad programs often see it as an experience which matured them personally and intellectually” (“Study Abroad Student Guide”). For most, this is their first time out of the U.S. and even their home state. So, it’s understandable why it would help this area of life for them. It’s their first step of living on their own, so what better way to practice being on their own and test their limits buy going abroad. They’re taking on the world first hand and, “learning how to maneuver in a new city, with different customs and language, requires patience and creativity” (“Benefits of Study Abroad”). This helps the traveling students to become more independent. It also helps to broaden the mind, so “students who study abroad return home with an informed and much less biased perspective toward other cultures and people” (“10 Reasons…”). Going straight into a new and sometimes totally different culture can be a shock and a struggle, but it’s a great way to help with personal growth, because it forces you to make decisions and experience new things.

Being abroad is a wonderful learning experience. “There is no better and more effective way to learn a language than to be immersed in a culture that speaks the language you are learning” (“10 Reasons…”) If the student is learning French, they can go abroad to France, Belgium, or even Canada and they’ll have ...

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...n exotic things to witness when abroad. Whether it’s in Spain, Greece, or Japan, there’s something for everyone waiting to be discovered. All though it’s often a tough experience, studying abroad is praised as being worth while and life-transforming. (“Study Abroad Student Guide”) So, what are the benefits to studying abroad? The answers are endless.

Works Cited

“10 Reasons Why You Should Study in a Foreign Country.” Vistawide.com. 2011. Web. 25 Feb. 2011.

“Benefits of Study Abroad.” International.umd.edu. University of Maryland, 2011. Web.

17 Mar. 2011.

Dwyer, Ph.D., Mary M., and Courtney K., Peter. “The Benefits of Study Abroad.” Transtionsabroad.com. 2011. Web. 16 Mar. 2011.

“Internship Programs.” Studyabroad.com. Education Dynamics, 2011. Web. 1 Mar. 2011.

“Study Abroad Student Guide.” Studyabroad.com. Education Dynamics, 2011. Web.

25 Feb. 2011

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