Imagine walking onto a plane and travelling 3,000 miles across the ocean to spend the first semester of your college career in a completely different place than you’ve lived your entire life. Well, that was something that I personally experienced about two years ago. I got accepted to Arcadia University, and into their “FYSAE” (First Year Study Abroad Experience) Program. It was probably the most exciting, yet nerve-wracking thing that I had ever done in my life. I got on a plane and went to the UK for a full four months as a new freshman in college. When I was leaving my home, family, friends, and job I was anxious and sad to be leaving, but once I arrived in the UK I could not contain my excitement. I studied at Stirling University in Stirling, Scotland. The semester that I studied abroad was probably the best time of my life. In those four short months, I experienced a different culture, ate new foods, made lifelong friends, travelled to other places, learned to understand an accent that sounds like a whole other language, and learned to be independent. I accomplished all this while learning and taking a full course load (and getting good grades) at the university. The beginning of one’s college career is always stressful and exciting whether it is a person that decides to go to college in a different state or commute from home-it is a change to one’s whole life that must be adapted to. The transition from high school to college is easier for some people than it is for others, depending on where one decides to go to school. Studying abroad is another brief transition from one’s home to a college in another part of the world. There are many different times that a student can study abroad; it can be in the student’s firs... ... middle of paper ... ... Reference Ser. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 21 Apr. 2014. Hadis, Benjamin. "Why Are They Better Students when They Come Back? Determinants of Academic Focusing Gains in the Study Abroad Experience." Frontiers Journal. Dickinson 11 (2005): 57-70. Print. Houser, Chris, et al. "Study Abroad Field Trip Improves Test Performance Through Engagement And New Social Networks." Journal Of Geography In Higher Education 35.4 (2011): 513-528. Academic Search Premier. Web. 21 Apr. 2014. Martinez, Luis. "The Study Abroad Advantage." Diverse: Issues In Higher Education 28.21 (2011): 25. Academic Search Premier. Web. 23 Apr. 2014. Mastroianni, Adam J., and Deborah L. Kelly. "Undergraduate Study Abroad Experiences: Changing Attitudes Towards Cultural Diversity And Careers." Insights To A Changing World Journal 2013.4 (2013): 1-11. Academic Search Premier. Web. 23 Apr. 2014.
Learning about new cultures is my favorite thing to do. I interact well with others and enjoy networking with new people. I have found that my ability to meet new people is a trait that makes every visit I have taken to different countries an enjoyable visit. I wish to participate in this program because it has always been a goal of mine to study abroad. By participating in this program I hope to learn about another culture, make international contacts, and gain valuable international business skills.
In addition to spending more on the actual education and university fees, the international students also have to spend on boarding and food. Finding a place to stay that is conveniently near to the university and other places of interaction, is affordable, accepts immigrants, and suits the basic requirements - is hard, sometimes impossible. A compromise on at least one criterion of the above is required to sustain in the new country.
When I first grew interested in options for studying abroad, several family members claimed I was looking for a distraction or taking a break from my studies. This stereotype along with many others have embodied the experience to be viewed by some as something negative. Studying abroad can be viewed as a glorified vacation, allowing students to indulge in drinking and partying without any repercussions. It can also be viewed as a way to slack off of doing actual homework, and there are claims that what is learned in the experience is no different than what is taught in traditional classrooms. However, these myths have been debunked by people I know who have taken advantage of the opportunity, who come back with expanded knowledge on cultures
Want to widen the mind and experience the world at the same time? Studying abroad does just that. It’s a life time opportunity for students “…to discover new strengths and abilities, conquer new challenges, and solve new problems” (“10 Reasons…”). There are many benefits to studying abroad.
During our secondary data search, we were enlightened to the many issues, which face an international student when choosing a university. In this paper we would like to first highlight trends of international student enrollment in American universities. Next, we will discuss the advantages of studying in the United States. Finally, we would like to list some of the many reasons that an international student may choose a certain university.
This experience inspired me to create my own research study on minority students’ participation in study abroad program. I am an African-American study abroad returnee, and both in my preparation and participation in study abroad, I noticed a lack of diversity. This inspired me to examine factors that contribute to one being able to study abroad as well as what hinders one from being able to study abroad. The results will help me in my efforts to effectively promote study abroad programs to students of color and increase participation within the next academic
Studying abroad is a dream for many people especially, who live in a country that has lacks education. It is possible that a dream realized for those who they want. However, it has many consequences, causing lack of livelihood to adapt to the different languages and cultures. Eva Hoffman, author of “Lost in Translation” wrote about her experience when she moved from Poland to Canada as a teenager. She felt as a “felt persona” when she merged with Canadians with different culture and language. Also, she felt as a woman who has two different figures, causing a lack of acclimatization. My own experience is similar Hoffman’s experience but, the most different thing that made me a little comfortable is trying to convince myself that
Bouchaud, Andrea. "Transitioning Into Life Abroad." Weblog post. The Study Abroad Blog. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2014.
Studying abroad is one of many options that some student may choose to take, but others fear to take it due to the fact that it is a new experience and the fear of the unknown is a part of the human nature, it can be a tough journey, which makes it hard for the students to take a decision. On the other hand, studying abroad could be a perfect choice because it can provide the students a sense of adventure, and a new way of seeing things in life, there are many people who maintain that studying abroad is not the right choice for students because it is expensive and not all students can provide
Students from Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, Holland, The United States, Germany, Spain, and other countries all came together to learn about each other, and international education. We all learned not only from experts in their fields about innovative education strategies, but we also learned firsthand what it means to encounter diversity and how international interaction can benefit students. We all came with our own cultures and ideas about education, but through interacting with each other, and hearing from various lecturers, the empty pieces of our mind, where we had not encountered or pondered diversity among different cultures were replaced with curiosity and understanding.
- When people just think about the word “home”, they think about their house, their bed they use to sleep and their city they come from……... but when the international students think about their home, they think
Living in another country is a difficult experience for many people. A common feature of people living in a foreign country is finding them Gathered together in restaurants, discussing about their home and their experiences in the foreign country. Moreover, these groups are not all from the same home country. Often, the interests that landed them in a foreign country are enough to connect them in building the foundations of friendship, like studying same major. However, the only thing that you can see obvisely is fear. As a Saudi student in USA I can say we often have to deal with many administration issues that may even result to the cancellation of one’s citizenship. Like getting USA Green Card. There is a fear of living in another country that never goes regardless of the period that one has lived in a foreign country. However, the interests that landed them in a foreign country, including education and business. It’s the same even the student didn’t come from same place. in fact that they didn't came from the same mother country. This will presents the argument that people living in another country are subject to change depending in economic and political way in order for them to fit in the new country.
There are many arguments for and against studying abroad. Studying abroad is a program in which students attend a school outside the United States and receive academic credit towards their major (New Mexico State University). Some even call it “partying abroad” because it’s a “waste of money and time”. But studying in another country for a year or even a semester can be very beneficial. You can gain perspective of global issues, advance your language skills, learn research methods and ethics, form valuable connections and grow as a person (Benefits of Studying Abroad). But if you’re not careful, you can end up having a hard time being in another country without your parents and with immense freedom, especially if you haven’t had much before.
Studying abroad can be one of the most rewarding experiences in a college’s students career. For many colleges, having their students can mean an increase in tuition, higher application rates, and overall better reviews by their students. According to the Indianapolis Business Journal, by Scott Olsen, “The Wall Street Journal reported last month that several small colleges are requiring students to pay full tuition even if the programs cost less, setting caps on the amount of financial aid sent abroad, and limiting how many students can participate”(5). Also, Olsen tells us “In the 2003-2004 school year, 7,208 students from Indiana universities went on study-abroad programs, according to the most recent statistics available from the Institute
Firstly, university students will meet others from a wide variety of backgrounds and broaden their understanding of other cultures. Students who reside in halls will most likely encounter an international student; in 2013/14 they