Is studying abroad really worth it?

Applying to College
21

<p>My semester abroad was definitely worth it! I made a lot of new friends from all over the country (and even some from other countries) that I am still in touch with and I got to experience a lot of new things. I went to the Czech Republic, so I had to deal with a language barrier in some places which was a good thing looking back on it, because I had to learn more about the culture and language of the country than if I’d gone to somewhere like the UK. I also used my study abroad to travel a lot, which if you stay in hostels and take buses/discount airlines everywhere really isn’t as bad as you’d expect! Travel was particularly convenient for me in Europe since there were a lot of connections between Prague and other major cities.</p>

<p>Overall it wasn’t my most academically rigorous semester, but it was probably the most fun semester I’ve had to date and the only regret I have is that I wasn’t there for an entire year.</p>

22

<p>Some schools have study abroad programs led by their own professors. I think you can actually build a better relationship with professor this way. One solid relationship is better than a few so-so ones, right?</p>

<p>I think study abroad is a waste of time if you don’t have to learn a new language for it. What’s the point of studying abroad in a new country when you will mostly be spending time with other english speakers?</p>

<p>Some colleges tout their study abroad programs, but in actuality they are not really offering anything in terms of cultural immersion: for example they might have a branch campus in another country but the classes are taught in english and the school provides housing for its own students. You may go to another country, but its just more of the same if your not being immersed in the culture and language.</p>

23

<p>I studied abroad two semesters, on two very different programs. I went during the school year, since my scholarship didn’t cover summers.</p>

<p>I think every study abroad program has value (even those that seem just to be a four month pub crawl). They all teach you at least some amount of independence, and help you to broaden your perspectives at least a little. Whether or not it’s worth it depends on what you’re looking for; realize that every study abroad program is different.</p>

<p>My first study abroad trip was to the Saint Louis University in Madrid. There were several of us from my home university who went, but we all went separately, and didn’t necessarily spend much time together. One poster above said to find a big study abroad group, but personally, I like that this was more independent, which allowed me to meet lots of new people. I stayed with a non-English speaking host family, and traveled a good amount, but mostly within Spain and not every weekend. So I really got to know the culture of Spain in general and Madrid in particular. Because many people don’t speak English in Spain, my Spanish definitely improved, though not as much as it could have because I went to an American university and made English-speaking friends.</p>

<p>My second study abroad trip was my last semester of college. I was hesitant about missing that semester, and all the graduation events and such, but I couldn’t resist the chance to go abroad again. I went to Maastricht, in the Netherlands. I had finished all my required courses, but still had a semester left on my scholarship, so I basically used this as a cheap way to spend four months vacationing in Europe. I did do all the work for my classes, but I traveled almost every weekend, and for 6 weeks after my short semester was over. Maastricht was perfect as a home base for traveling around Europe, as it’s so central, and we also all received a 3 month EuroRail pass. (Spain had been much more isolated, so weekend trips out of the country were only possible if I flew.)</p>

<p>This was a group trip, in which about 40 students from my home university, a professor, and a couple of grad student TAs all traveled and lived together. We did take a couple of classes from Dutch professors, but the only students in the class were from my home university (I didn’t know this going in; I thought those classes would be with other students as well). Because of all this, I didn’t really feel like I lived in Maastricht, though I spent ten weeks there. Most Dutch people spoke English, too, so I learned very little Dutch. </p>

<p>Still, I traveled by myself for much of the 6 week travel period, and met quite a few people from all over. So I still learned a lot about people from other cultures. And I definitely gained confidence and independence through my two trips. Getting off the plane and taking a taxi to SLU Madrid for my first study abroad was probably one of the scariest things I’ve ever done, since I was by myself and spoke only limited Spanish. By the end of my second study abroad, I was traveling alone and couch surfing with strangers in countries where I didn’t speak a word of the language.</p>

<p>So anyway, those are the two programs I went on, and as you can see, they were very different. There are other programs out there that look completely different from either of the programs I went on. It all depends on what you’re looking for, but I’m pretty sure that if you try, you can find one that’s worth it, and that’s doable.</p>

<p>…Wow, that turned out way long. But as you can see, I loved both of my trips abroad, and think they were completely worth it.</p>

24

<p>As a Professor of German & Comp. Lit. at San Diego State, I was fortunate to have 2 stints as Resident Director of CSU International programs in Germany, at Heidelberg & Tübingen, supervising the work of 30 - 40 students. I must say that the student experience was definitely worth the time, effort, and cost in most cases. But if you’re interested in study in a country where English is not the language, you must be wiling to devote time and effort to learning the host language! In my second year in Germany ('92-'93) there were many students of international business hoping to find jobs in Germany (prior to the anticipated reunification) who were disappointed when they found themselves in competition with native speakers of German who had also studied English for as many as 10 years and were quite fluent. I would say that your goals must be real-istic with respect to your hoped for outcomes. On the other hand, you can anticipate great personal growth from a year in another culture, and to me that makes the exper-ience well worth the cost and effort required, if you’re willing to make the effort to assimilate into the foreign culture. If you spend your time hanging around with the other students in your program, you’ll lose much of the potential gain from your experience. Cultivate foreign friends!</p>

25

<p>Both of my daughters studied abroad for fall semester of junior year, different countries, different programs. Both programs were really specific to their course of study. In older d’s case, studying studio art and art history in Italy, there were trips to other places in Italy that we paid extra for as part of tuition and were group trips. She and the friends she made did some other travels within Italy and using cheap student fares over mid-semester break and Thanksgiving weekend. There were others who travelled all the time and others who never left Rome, everyone comes with different expectations and different amounts of money. Younger d’s program was in Vienna through IES and had orientation in the Alps in advance of the program as well as several first-come, first serve trips during the program-one of which was skiing over Thanksgiving weekend. Travelled a bit as did older d, but again within limits.
Both benefited in so many ways from that experience including the friends made, places seen, seeing different ways to live and managing to live and negotiate on your own in a different place. It was an experience I regret to this day that I chose not to take advantage of when I was in college because I did not want to miss out on what was going on. There is that element of course because you cannot be in two places at once…so it is really a personal choice, an academic choice and a financial choice as well.</p>

26

<p>

Such a blanket statement is overreaching by a lot. It depends on the program. D spent a semester in Budapest as part of a highly regarded program in Mathematics; beginning and intermediate Hungarian were part of the curriculum but the classes were taught in English. Damn fine classes, taught on an “early grad school” level.</p>

<p>Half your education takes place outside the classroom and taking advantage of being abroad as opposed to it being an exotic place to party pays wonderful rewards. D had <em>no</em> problems developing and maintaining relationships with her profs. Three years after graduation, several were very helpful for her grad school applications and the got into a Top Three program.</p>

27

<p>Yes, it is really worth it. I had friends who were from other countries and they feel that coming in the US was one of the best decision they have ever made.</p>

28

<p>I was born in the USA, but my family decided to move to China when I was around 11.
I’ve been here for more than 7 years.
Well I don’t think that this really classifies as “study” abroad…
But the experience has changed my life.
I got to learn more about my culture, and I have mastered the language.
When I think about the people that I might not have met if I went to high school in the US, everything seems worth it you know?</p>

<p>BUT,
studying abroad is not for everyone.
Language will be a major obstacle.
And everything will seem out of place at first.
It takes time and hard work to adjust to a different culture.
You may feel lonely, homesick, and even scared at first(it may last through your whole stay).
But when you look back on it, you’ll find that you’ve grown stronger =]</p>

29

<p>I sure hope I get to study abroad once in the next four years! I obviously haven’t yet, but I’m sure it’s worth it!</p>

30

<p>My daughter originally was going to study abroad for a semester but things happened. She happily took a different route and has not looking back. She loves her school and the creative work she’s doign and can’t imagine being away from it. Four years is a short time. Do what you really want, not necessarily what everybody says here.</p>

31

<p>I always thought I wanted to study abroad, but when push came to shove, I am glad that I didn’t.</p>

<p>My UG program was a rigorous BFA program that didn’t specifically allow its students to study abroad, mainly because no other school could offer the same coursework/subject and the BFA degree track meant our semesters were planned out for us each year. However, if a student wanted to, they could study abroad by taking a semester off from the BFA program and enrolling in a “general” study abroad program through our University.</p>

<p>If it sounds complicated, it’s because it was. Since I didn’t want to delay graduating for a semester to go romp around Europe, I had a long term boyfriend who I didn’t want to leave behind, my financial aid/scholarship wouldn’t apply to any SA program and because neither my major nor my minor were subjects offered abroad – I opted against it. </p>

<p>I ended up getting a job one summer that allowed me to spend a month and a half in Paris with a hefty salary and minimal work in the end – I thought that was a better option anyway! No classes, I was free to go/do whatever, whenever and I met up with my friends who were studying abroad anyway! (Plus, I was getting paid! It was a sweet deal.)</p>

<p>Many of my friends did study abroad and everyone’s response was mixed. Many of my friends has wonderful, positive experiences because the particular SA program they did was well organized and the academic portion of the program was beneficial to their studies. (EX: Many theatre friends of mine went to the UK to study Shakespearean acting, etc…)</p>

<p>Some of my friends did it because it made sense with their degrees – for example, International Relations.</p>

<p>A very close friend of mine went to London and ended up having a miserable experience. Here, the most outgoing and friendly person I knew, had a very hard time making friends and meaningful connections overseas, mainly due to an unorganized program. But still, something to think about.</p>

<p>This, coupled with my story, is mainly to show that just because “everyone else” studies abroad does not necessarily mean it’s the best decision for YOU. It’s something that you have to consider very seriously and decide whether or not the sacrifice is beneficial to you and your studies. You also have to consider cost and what you will miss from your home University in terms of classes/academic experiences.</p>

<p>If you find a program that’s complementary to your degree and will expose you to classes/experiences that will help your studies that you couldn’t receive in the US, I’d say go for it.</p>

<p>If you’re doing it simply to “get away,” I suggest just saving up for an overseas trip you can take after you graduate. </p>

<p>Just my opinion!</p>

32

<p>Both Ds did study abroad. D1 studied in Cairo about a block from Tahrir square. Learned some Arabic, taught English to Sudanese refugees, and took one intro and two graduate classes in Islamic art not available at her college. She did some travel including learning scuba in the Red Sea. D2 studied in Bologna and mainly socialized and traveled…with a mixed Italian and American group. The university had arranged a speaking partner for her who was not allowed to speak English with her. The group consisted of her American friends and his Italian friends (and some other speaking partners). The Americans are very good at Italian now. (They had all had 4-5 semesters minimum before going to Italy.) They still write to each other, and we hosted three Italians from that group last summer. We were very happy with both Ds’ experiences as were they.</p>

<p>The downside: If you go through your university you will pay American tuition while they pay the host institution much less. This may include housing as well. If you don’t go through your university, the university may want you to drop out for a semester which may have other effects such as room draw for senior year. Check out the details with your home university.</p>

<p>On another note, my nephew did a year in Hong Kong as a Chem major. Apparently a student belongs to the department in which he studies, so he never got to learn any Chinese. He did take some “awesome” chemistry classes.</p>

33

<p>I will be conducting marine research on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia next winter for my study abroad. As a biology major with a specific focus on ecology, I think that the study abroad program is extremely relevant because it will provide field experience in a field of study in which I am interested. Overall, I feel like if it will help you bette runderstand your major, or provide you with unique opportunities to learn and grow, then study abroad is definitely worth it. When will you ever have the opportunity to study in another country again?</p>

34

<p>Knights09-- FWIW- Not all professors are looking to build long term
relationships with students!</p>

<p>.02 David</p>

35

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<p>Graduate school, on a Fulbright, doing personal research…</p>

<p>UG study abroad is not the be all/end all of traveling the world for academic purposes. Just playing devil’s advocate here.</p>

36

<p>It depends- if you have never traveled much outside the US and don’t see yourself doing it much once you start working then yes, when will you have the same opportunity for that amount of time? However, many families travel extensively, and because of this their children have been to Africa to Warsaw so to speak. This is the case with my children and my siblings children. So studying abroad just to be in another culture and to travel/vacation while there is not a “life changing” experience. It is my experience through my kids/friends kids/family that UG study abroad is just a big travel adventure. Which is fine, but why pay a school for credits- just travel independently or with friends outside of Uni. Same thing, probably better because it is not an organized program which insulates you anyhow.</p>

<p>I did send son to Spain for 8 weeks of intensive Spanish and travel. 4 hours of Spanish classes M-F and cultural excursion in the afternoons and evenings. They moved-Barcelona-Madrid-Granada, so different regions with different short trips. He went by himself on the trip- nobody from his school, and then he traveled by himself for 10 days after. He had a blast. But he has traveled through out S. America, S.E. Asia, Africa, most of Europe and the UK as well as most of the fun exotic tropical islands. Oh, and the U.S, of course!</p>

<p>So I say travel, but don’t confuse most programs as a semester at a fine Uni- it’s mostly just travel experience which is valuable if you have not done much, and that in itself is educational.</p>

37

<p>I’d say for some majors, foreign travel/study is essential. Immersion in a language, for instance. Or the chance to do archeology or paleontology instead of just reading about it in a book.</p>

<p>A friend’s son spent one semester in Cairo at American Univ. there, studying Arabic. He did another semester somewhere else (we did wonder how he managed to be more off campus than on!) :)</p>

38

<p>I second whoever said study abroad in the summer. I too am skeptical about missing a semester at my school but in the summer you’re not swapping one for another, you’re adding. I’ll be studying in Jordan in T minus 5 days.</p>

39

<p>I think that studying abroad is really what you make it. If you spend most of your time traveling rather than studying, then it is most likely a waste of money. I have an older sibling who studied abroad, and ended up needing an extra year to finish college because of it. It also depends on your major; if you are a linguistics major or a French major or something like that, then maybe you could justify spending time in another country. If you are a mechanical engineering major, probably not.</p>

40

<p>In order to keep the discussion from seeming to be too one-sided, let me chime in to say that my daughter was originally going to study abroad and had looked into it. But she felt, as the OP of this thread says, that missing a semester from her school would be a real loss. I would have encouraged either decision, but I was secretly hoping that she would come to the eventual conclusion on her own. She realized she had her whole life ahead of her. She graduated two weeks ago and will teach English in Asia for a year. Her travel bug will be satisfied that way, and I am really proud of all of her decisions.</p>