<p>After high school I went right into the local community college and graduated with an Associate's degree and now I am going to attend the local, non-dorm-still-staying-at-home university that is very close to my home. I have always wanted to study abroad and found an independent program that has programs I can do. </p>
<p>I already talked to my adviser at my university and they said they would accept it. The only problem is when I study abroad it will basically be skipping a whole semester in my degree program. If I do not study abroad I will have my Bachelor's degree by next Fall and be done then start my Master's degree that next semester. Studying abroad will set me back a whole semester. </p>
<p>And the program that I am going to study has nothing to do with my major it was just my interest to go and study in a foreign country. I want to learn their language, explore places I have never been or seen and I want to get away from being at home since that has been my entire college career thus far. </p>
<p>Is it worth it? Are the rewards greater for my resume and my degree even if they do not have my major of choice there?</p>
<p>Oh then I don’t really know. If you would have told me it was something international, my answer would be more certain. However, it is never a bad idea to learn a foreign language. Did you already meet the requirements of a foreign language in your school? If not, taking a a whole semester to learn a language and immerse yourself in a culture will not only gain you credit and allow you to graduate, but it will give you a very good experience. Remember to experience life too!!</p>
<p>The answer is up to you. Can you afford it? Can you afford the actual cost of living abroad (it can be quite expensive) and the cost of an extra semester?</p>
<p>If you can, then a semester abroad would be a great cultural experience, especially since you stayed at home through-out your college experience, and I would highly recommend it.</p>
<p>I think you should go for it. Most college graduates when asked what they regret the most about their college experience say they regret not studying abroad. In my opinion, ten years down the road, I would rather reget having done it than regret not having done it.</p>
<p>Yes, employers will be more than happy to see the study abroad experience. And a year abroad is more than twice as good as a semester abroad. A semester just gives you enough time to go into culture shock. A year gives you time to come out of it, and learn to enjoy the new culture.</p>