How much does study abroad help in college and in one's future?

Question

How much does study abroad help in college and in one's future?

Answer 1

I'm with University Language Services, and we recently held a scholarship essay contest for students who studied in two or more countries. Some of their essays answer your question, I think. Here's a link:

http://www.universitylanguage.com/schola...

Hope they help!

Answer 2

Taking classes in a different country can really help with your major because you get a somewhat different approach and perspective on the subject.  Also, it really helps on a personal level.  It helps you gain cultural understanding and respect, obviously, but it also helps develop independence and confidence.  There is definitely a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment gained from a study abroad experience that differs from how those feelings resonate with your normal studies.  Studying abroad also might help with job applications and such because of the experiences you gain from it, and employers may find students who have studied abroad to thus be more dynamic.

Answer 3

For my daughter, it meant that she was more sophisticated and more focused on her goals.  She also became so fluent in Spanish while studying in Mexico that she was able to start her Spanish classes at university at the 3rd year level.  As a result, she received a double degree, 1 in Spanish Studies and 1 in Communicative Disorders.