<p>If you have studied abroad I would like to know Why and where did you go? Also, why should someone study abroad or why not? I'm going to be a freshman in college next year and i want to travel so good honest answers would really be appreciated.</p>
<p>You study abroad to learn a new language (or to become fluent), to learn about a certain culture, and from what I’ve read, you become open minded to differences.</p>
<p>I haven’t gone yet, but I’m planning on going to Japan. I love the language, the culture, the people, the history, and I want to gain a more complete understanding by living there then reading information on the computer. I want to climb Mount Fuji, visit Asukasa, ski on the slopes, see a musical, visit the palace, see the sakura bloom, just flourish in the culture.</p>
<p>Japan sounds really great. My friend’s older brother (who is a junior in college) has been studying abroad in Japan for this whole year and last summer, and it seems like a great way to become immersed in the culture and live really differently than you would in America.</p>
<p>My son is in Barcelona this semester. Living in a foreign culture is an experience that simply cannot be replicated any other way. It broadens your view of the world. It introduces you to completely new things - from mundane things you take for granted like different electrical sockets, to cultural norms, food, architecture, lifestyles, fashion & more. </p>
<p>Study Abroad gives you confidence. Once you find out that you can survive and even thrive in a strange place where you may not speak the language (or don’t speak it fluently) you realize how much you can do in your home country. If you go with a program approved by your college but not run by your college, you will meet kids from all over the USA, as well as people in your study abroad location.</p>
<p>If you are considering where to go, Barcelona is wonderful. My only caveat would be if you are planning to study Spanish, that’s not the #1 language there. Everyone speaks Spanish, but most use Catalan as their first language (Catalan is a local language that’s sort of a blend of Spanish and French). Still, you’d be amazed how much you can get across simply with pointing and hand gestures (polite ones of course, ha ha).</p>
<p>I’m studying abroad at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland for the year. Its been an unbelievable experience, probably the best experience of my life so far.</p>
<p>I think the goal of every study abroad student should be first and foremost to experience and immerse yourself in a new culture. I think its under rated how much you take away from studying abroad. The life skills you’ll develop through living on your own, experiencing other cultures, seeing the world, and being independent are invaluable. You’re going to experience the good and the bad, and its good to experience both because it reminds you that the world is real, and that life doesnt just exist in the bubble of the U.S.</p>
<p>In more general terms, I know I studied abroad because I wanted to see the world. I lived in the same area my entire life and my home college is very small, so just getting a way for a year has been great. I’ve been to 8 countries so far, and I plan on making it to 3 more before my year is up. I’ve been fortunate to meet people from all over the world. If you are studying a foreign language, studying abroad should pretty much be a given. There’s no better way to learn it than by living with native speakers. Take a look at my blog if you want to get a better picture of studying abroad - [Study</a> Abroad Blog](<a href=“The Study Abroad Blog - Nate Nault”>http://thestudyabroadblog.com/)</p>
<p>[Study</a> Abroad Blog](<a href=“The Study Abroad Blog - Nate Nault”>http://thestudyabroadblog.com/)</p>