Why should I study abroad?

You should study abroad because it is a life changing, amazing experience!

While abroad, students learn cultural competencies such as adaptability, independence and tolerance. These skills are desired traits  by employers. See the data from returned study abroad students on Abroad101: Why Study Abroad? http://bit.ly/pZpo8o 

Only 5% of students currently study abroad. This will give you a competitive advantage in your job search, you will gain a global perspective that others who didn't study abroad lack. There is a series of blogs on How to Highlight You Study Abroad for Professional Development here: http://bit.ly/rlLbGr 

Studying abroad is a great way to reflect on your own identity and your place in this global world. There are several initiatives to encourage study abroad, as a way for students to be cultural ambassadors for the United States, such as the 100,000 Strong initiative to send more students to study in China. Not Your Usual Suspects: Diversity in Study Abroad http://bit.ly/pMADDq 

sources: www.studyabroad101.com

Study abroad is a wonderful experience for so many reasons. Spending a year or semester at a foreign university can offer you many amazing opportunities your school at home cannot such as: different course options, the chance to study a foreign language intensively, and the ability to learn course material in a hands-on way (for example, if you're a archeology major studying in Greece). Besides academics, you'll get to meet a diverse group of people, making friends with both people from the country you live in and fellow study abroad students from across the US and often the world. Living in a foreign country is also a life-changing personal experience, forcing you to become more independent, challenging your preconceptions of the world your opinions of your own country, and giving you the opportunity to travel to places you had never even heard of before. For many people, study abroad is the highlight of their college experience, and if you're on the fence about going, I would highly recommend that you go for it!