The Merits of an Overseas Study Experience
Convincing Parents That Studying Abroad is a Great Opportunity
Nov 14, 2009
Sometimes, a student may have trouble convincing parents that going overseas for a semester or year is a good idea. Yes, students are adults and should be allowed to pursue whichever academic opportunities they feel will enrich their college (and life) experience. But being and on the same page with parents about the overall academic career is a good idea. Here are just a few important points to address about the merits of study abroad.
Study Abroad Advantage: See the World Beyond the Current Bubble
Some college students have led a fairly sheltered life, and odds are these particular students are the same ones who may need to work to convince parents that studying abroad will be a benefit. Study abroad most commonly occurs at a very formative time in a student's life; the entire world perspective can be influenced by a semester or year abroad, usually in a very good way. How, exactly? Here are just a few of the reasons:
- being exposed to and immersed in another culture leads to better understanding of the world outside that in which the student grew up...
- ...this understanding can heighten positive and constructive traits like tolerance, respect for those of a different background, and curiosity about the rest of the world...
- ...and this tolerance, respect, and curiosity can be brought back to the home country and shared with those around them.
Sounds wishy-washy, right? Maybe it is, but the above is true for many students who have had the opportunity to study abroad.
Gain Skills and Experiences Desirable in the Job Market
This is something that will go a long way with parents, especially in today's extremely competitive job market, where fewer and fewer recent grads are finding work. Having any one of the following skills, traits, or educational backgrounds is an advantage that may just prove to give a job seeker an edge:
- two very important abilities in the working world: adaptability and flexibility (new country, new situations, new experiences...students who study abroad have the opportunity to develop these traits)
- in most cases, foreign language ability is also improved on all fronts: speaking, reading, writing, and listening
- street smarts (someone who travels alone to a different part of the world has to have this to some degree)
- confidence (again, total immersion in a foreign culture and likely having to speak a foreign language, plus solo travel? A recipe for improving confidence)
The Cost is Not as Scary as it May Seem
For many, many study abroad programs, a student's financial aid package will apply. If not, a student should talk to the study abroad office about alternatives or other funding options, and apply for additional grants or scholarships. If a student is being partially or fully supported by parents for college, and cost is an issue with study abroad, working out a special deal such as the student covering all transportation costs, as well as all travel while overseas, may be a good idea.
Study abroad has many valuable pluses that can outweigh any hesitation, be it on the student's part or on the parents'. When a student has concerns about whether or not parents will approve a decision to study abroad, it is vital for that student to be well-informed. The above points can contribute to a strong case in favor of gaining a memorable academic, cultural, and personal experience that will enrich a student's overall college experience.
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