Loida McKinnon
Freelance Writer
Traveler
Embracing people from all over the world is easier and more fulfilling than ever in the linked world of today. The rich tapestry of cultures, environments, and experiences that make up the world are just waiting to be discovered—and studying abroad in college gives you an opportunity to do just that. In a world where physical boundaries are disappearing and communication is immediate, accepting people from all cultures and places has emerged as a critical component of individual development and planetary peace. Let’s dive into the importance of understanding the value of cross-cultural interactions and how they may improve your life as a student:
- Cultural enrichment: Being exposed to many cultures widens your horizons and helps you comprehend the world more fully. It promotes empathy, tolerance, and respect for various viewpoints.
- Personal development: Meeting individuals from other backgrounds when traveling and interacting with them forces you to venture outside your comfort zone, which promotes personal growth and adaptation.
- Professional advancement: Having foreign experience and cultural sensitivity can give you a competitive edge in today's increasingly globalized employment environment.
- Lasting memories: Meeting people from all over the world while traveling and engaging in other activities lets you make memories that will last a lifetime.
Choosing to pursue your education abroad is one approach to getting fully immersed in various cultures. College students have many different opportunities to study abroad and adapt to a new culture. For instance, Australia is renowned for its 186 ENS visa program and high-quality educational system. Also called the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS), this visa enables qualified professionals to live and work continuously in Australia if they choose to stay there after their studies.
Here are some final tips if you decide to take the plunge and study abroad:
- Be open-minded: Accept new experiences and be prepared to take something away from them.
- Learn a new language: Even the most fundamental language abilities may help you build stronger relationships.
- Try the local cuisine: Wherever you travel, this is a delicious way to engage with another culture.
- Choose eco-friendly transportation while you’re there: To lessen your carbon footprint when visiting new places, choose to use the bus or subway, walk, or bike.
- Respect the environment and local cultures: This is an important part of traveling responsibly. You want to make a good impression on the places you visit.
If you’re able to take advantage of study abroad opportunities in college, do it—you won’t regret this amazing experience. Remember these tips and benefits, be safe, and have a great trip!
CollegeXpress
If you're wondering whether you should study abroad in college, we have a few of the best reasons why you should take the leap:
- Discover other cultures: From different foods to religions to traditions and more, you'll encounter new ways of thinking and living by studying abroad—and you might have more in common with the people in your new country than you think. Seeing these differences and commonalities is the ultimate way to make yourself more aware of the world around you.
- Gain independence: Going to another country forces you to do everything—yes, everything—on your own. Cultural and language barriers will force you to fend for yourself, but it will help prepare you for that even more daunting "real world."
- Learn about your own country: Maybe you grew up in New York City and think it's the biggest city in the world. Then you study abroad in Beijing, China. Your opinion will quickly change—trust us.
- Learn about yourself: There's no better way to discover who you are as a person than by taking yourself out of your comfort zone. When studying abroad, you'll discover new food, hobbies, places, and people that pique your interest in a way that never could happen in your hometown.
- Make friends: More than likely, you'll bond with fellow Americans when you're trying to figure out how to say "I need to go to the bathroom" in a new language. Additionally, you'll meet some people from around the world, so keep them close to forge new friendships—and maybe become more fluent in the language!
- Gain work experience: Employers overseas are more than willing to hire industrious American student interns, and they know you didn't travel 2,000 miles just to file papers and make coffee. So if you find an internship during your study abroad trip, expect to gain relevant work experience and skills while also getting to know a foreign work culture.
- Visit exotic places: Studying abroad enables you to see the wonders of the world and the sites that have defined civilizations while earning college credit at the same time. Not a bad deal!
Ready to plan your trip abroad? Find everything you need to know with Our Best Advice on Studying Abroad in College.