Beth Worthy
1/27/2014
Seven continents. 191 countries. 248,752 cities. Endless possibilities. In this day and age, the very idea of traveling the world is foreign to many (no pun intended). With all the daily activities, academic and extracurricular, that we have going on in our lives, it’s hard to believe that being able to take the time to go out and travel the world is even a possibility. However, there is one way that you can expand your horizons both physically and mentally: Study Abroad. While many think that study abroad is just for fun and those with endless bank accounts, it not only expands your world view, but could greatly impact your level of academic success. Here are 4 reasons why:
1. Immerse yourself in a different cultureDepending on where you study abroad, you will be immersed in a culture completely different than your own no matter what. For example, say you are an English- only speaking American and you decide to travel abroad in Japan. While the experience may seem challenging at first, think about the endless interpersonal communication skills you could develop!
2. Be You-niqueBe a “diamond in the rough”. Statistics show that most international corporations are more likely to hire applicants that participated in a study abroad program or speak multiple languages. Why? Not only would you be a great communicator to represent a company, but you would also be a terrific asset in the sense that you would hold the cultural experience and expertise that most other applicants would not otherwise possess.
3. Expand you horizonsSet new boundaries. Be the person you always wanted to be! Open up your world to countless new experiences and be amazed at the new things you could discover. Remember, “You get out what you put in.”
4. Get out of your comfort zoneLife is too short to stay in that neat little box you made for yourself. The world is full of countless new ideas, people and experiences. You owe it to yourself to get out and make the most of your life. The question is: Will you?
