Every year, numerous college students in the United States take advantage of study abroad programs to immerse themselves in foreign cultures.
Through study abroad programs, students travel to foreign universities for a semester or an entire year and earn academic credit. Many universities advertise study abroad programs as invaluable opportunities that will complement students’ studies. For example, according to Columbia University, their study abroad program “expands the walls of the institution and offers [students] the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of the larger global community of which we all take part.”
So does that mean that studying abroad is an invaluable experience for every student?
Students should examine several aspects before deciding to study abroad. According to Fox News, the FBI described study abroad experience as “very marketable to U.S. private industry and government employers” but has also identified students as easy targets for foreign intelligence hoping to obtain classified US information. Students should also examine the financial feasibility of studying abroad because if all the credits do not transfer, students may find themselves paying for another year’s worth of tuition, according to the Money Crashers website.
Study abroad programs are not for everyone. Study abroad programs demand a level of independence, so students who are not independent may struggle with homesickness.
Regardless of personality, students should still look into studying abroad because they may learn how to be independent and choose a program that fits them. For example, students who fear being away from home and do not speak another language may opt to do a study abroad program in London for a semester as opposed to a whole year.