 "Photo: Justin Runquist/Staff Photo")
As a tourist in a foreign country, you may think that you need to know the local customs, but that is not necessary, until you’ve experienced it yourself for a while.
Living in a foreign country for a significant period of time allows for the chance to get to know people from other cultures in their own environment. Studying abroad can be the opportunity of a lifetime.
The most important aspect of living in a foreign environment is adaptation.
Learning how to be compliant can be a helpful social skill, both in private and professional life. Besides, by adapting to other cultures you’ll understand the background of certain cultural customs.
Through this you can decide for yourself which ones are good or bad. Not only will you learn about others. Most importantly you’ll get to know yourself, partly because you are no longer influenced by family and friends from home.
By being separate from your familiar surroundings you can’t rely on anything or anyone but yourself. This makes you realize who you are and which characteristics fit you the most.
Studying abroad bears lots of responsibilities, which is good for developing independence. It teaches you how to stand on your own feet. In order to make it a successful stay, you also need to be assertive, only then will you develop a social life.
The language barrier can be disadvantageous. Learning another language is challenging but it could be helpful in future pursuits. The best way to learn is to practice with native speakers.
Another barrier is the total costs of studying abroad. Traveling, housing, tuition and daily needs are often expensive and may be not affordable for the average student.
On the other hand, when comparing the costs to those you would have while studying in America, the difference is surprisingly low.
It would be good for colleges to step in and subsidize a part of studying abroad, as long as the credits are transferable.
Their students will not only experience a broader view of the world and learn about another culture, but they will also undergo personal growth. Students’ increased sense of responsibility will probably lead to better academic achievement as well.
Sometimes it’s hard to be away from home, especially when you’re in a foreign country. Not being used to local customs can make you feel alone.
Studying abroad is challenging, exciting and sometimes difficult, but altogether, it is definitely worth it.
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