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Imagine your program director leading the way through a winding path to the top of Florence’s Giardino delle Rose. Despite the hundred-degree weather, the top of the garden has plenty of trees to offer relief from the sun after your hot hike uphill. A gentle breeze whistles through the leaves as you admire the beautiful clear sky that’s framed by a cascade of faded-red rooftops. Around you, there are people chattering on park benches, an elderly woman feeding feral cats and children sword fighting with broken tree branches.
When you study abroad, although you plan for your breath to be taken away by stunning views, ancient artwork and delicious cuisine, you also meet people from different walks of life. Being abroad not only gives you a new reason to try new things, it also exposes you to opportunities to create lasting memories. Immersing yourself in different cultures, lifestyles and environments opens your world and gives you a deeper appreciation for the little things you find along the way.
According to the Institute of International Education, only one in 10 students in the U.S. study abroad before graduating. In order to avoid being the nine out of 10 students who regret not going abroad, here are some things to convince you to start saving your money.
Traveling opens a plethora of opportunities that you may not get from the comfort of your own home and city. For example, just going to the grocery store to buy ingredients can be an experience when you’re forced to walk down unfamiliar streets. In other countries, grocery shopping may take some adjusting, especially if you’re pushed to take treks through small, seemingly confusing alleyways just to find the supermarkets with the best options. Or perhaps you’ll find yourself immersed and dancing to the beat of Spain’s nightlife. The adventure is, quite literally, limitless. From getting lost in Florence’s winding streets to swimming in the Mediterranean Sea in Capri to taking a train to Budapest, anything abroad can be exciting.
A famous Elizabeth Benedict quote says: “What gives value to travel is fear. It breaks down a kind of inner structure we all have.” Being in unfamiliar territory pushes us out of the comfortable structures we’ve built around our lives. When you’re abroad, you’re forced to talk to strangers, take public transportation, learn new things and explore. There’s something incredibly liberating and empowering about being able to make decisions for yourself and planning your own adventures. Being abroad offers a good push to face any fears you may have, thus allowing yourself to grow.
Being in another country immerses you in their language. This kind of exposure can increase your sensitivity and understanding of other cultures. There are many words and phrases in other languages that cannot be directly translated into English. For example, the Tagalog word “gigil” describes something too complex to translate. Gigil is the strong urge people get to squeeze someone or something. Although this feeling is often a response to something that is irresistibly cute, people or things that frustrate us can also cause this. Because of this exposure to different languages, many employers will also be more inclined to hire you. According to The New York Times, “language capabilities and cross-cultural communication skills are necessary to succeed in the global economy.”
Traveling also allows you to see the beautiful differences between cultures, including history, people and religious beliefs. You get to understand what kinds of objects and practices people value. For example, there is a strict dress code for Italian churches. In order to enter, one must have both knees and shoulders covered because of the kind of reverence Italian people have towards God. Although you may not practice the same beliefs, this kind of exposure teaches you to respect and appreciate different backgrounds. Not only that, but The New York Times also writes, “Learning how to interact with people from other countries and cultures equips future leaders in all sectors to address urgent issues.” Cultural sensitivity is another thing employers are looking for.
Depending on where you travel, studying abroad offers a perspective change. For example, going on a mission trip or volunteering in developing countries can teach you humility and appreciation. It teaches you the importance of service while also giving you a sense of fulfillment. Other than that, being abroad can give you a new perspective on how other people act, speak, eat and live! All of these things that may seem monotonous in our own lives can become exciting once you see how different other people can be!
When you study abroad, make sure to try new things! Don’t be afraid to go to places where there aren’t many tourists, to invest in tours that teach you about the history that seeps through the streets and buildings or to talk to locals. Being abroad is a wonderful way to grow and to learn. And aside from the benefits above, traveling can also help you find new interests, give you more career opportunities and even lead you to new lifelong friendships.
But above all, always remember to be respectful of the other cultures in which you’ve been privileged to partake.
