Study abroad and be set back a year, or graduate and start career?

Question

So, right now I'm finishing up my sophomore year of college with an Elementary Ed major. I'll have 2 more years of school, and then a year of pre-internship and student teaching before I graduate. I'm really, really excited to start my career! I can't wait to get my own place and start earning money!

However, I'm considering studying abroad for a year. I'd want to go to Japan because i'm learning the language and I've always loved the culture, and have many Japanese exchange-student friends. Studying abroad would set me back a year, and would put me in a lot more debt. Also, going to Japan has nothing to do with my major, so it would just be for the experience of living in a different country.

I have a lot of scholarships that end after 4 years. If I choose not to study abroad, I only have to support myself for one more year. If I do study abroad, not only do I have to pay for that, but I also have to pay for two more years of college without any scholarships.

Answer 1

i would just finish on school first after that take some time out and travel.

Answer 2

Go to Japan! You'll learn so much that you'll be a different person after just a year. There are some things that you just can't learn in university. Practical things. And your Japanese will improve.

Here's a forum where you might find some help/advice:

http://www.japanesepod101.com/forum/view...

It's from Japanesepod101.com , a site where I learn Japanese.

Ganbatte!

Answer 3

study abroad and be held back a year.  You can ALWAYS get a job when you return.  This may be an opportunity that you don't need to pass up right now.  When you start working, you can't exactly take a year off whenever you get ready, you know.

Answer 4

Why don't you study abroad for one semester rather than a full year..then you will still get to experience a lot and you won't be set back as much. Also employers like that you understand people of different cultures and all that jazz.  I studied abroad and set myself back 1/2 a year and I think it was definitely worth it even though I have way more debt to pay back now!  Good luck

Answer 5

Spending a year in a foreign country gives anyone an amazing experience.  I personally think that every undergraduate student should be required to spend a year abroad if  they plan on pursuing graduate studies.

However, in your case, and due to the financial constraints, I would finish my undergraduate studies and then take a year to experience living abroad and studying abroad.  If money is still an issue, have you considered taking a job as an "au pair?"   There are organizations that can organize this.  This would allow you to spend 6 to 9 months in a country of your choice, living with a local family, getting paid to babysit one or two children for a few hours a day (like before and after school and one weekend day), and still give you time to attend school (when the kids are also in their schools) and get free time (usually one day per week).  It is a very common arrangement between European countries, and it is usually very successful.  Good luck

Answer 6

Why don't you do both? Put off the study abroad until after you graduate. Finish your education now so that you don't lose your scholarships, and then study abroad for a year in Japan before you begin full-time work.

Answer 7

study abroad programs are fantastic for your resume but it's better if they are not the type where you live with others from your country,  and have friends who keep you from making new friends from the new country. try to be indpt., and more immersed rather than just taking a class.

No one I've ever met has regretted travel they've done when they werre younger, especially right after college. it opens so many horizons personally, not just for a job later. and eve n the admissions director or maybe president of harvard of all places said in a New York Times article a few years ago "please take a year off before you come to harvard! live a life! see the world!" etc. It is very common in europe to do this; it's sometimes called a "gap year". so you wouldn't be "set back", you'd be on a new schedule. don't let people scare you just 'cause they're afraid to take a risk and venture out like that. Being bilingual is a precious gift and asset. And your interests and goals can change--better to see what you really like now rather than being on an automatic path that you may question later. good luck!

Answer 8

i'd choose to study abroad and be set back a year. that's what i'm planning to do next year. and you're right, teaching and studying are two different stories, and the best way to gain an in-depth knowledge of real life there is to go their school! the financial burden may be hard on you but the experience will be priceless.

Answer 9

If you don't want to fall behind completely for a year why not try looking into a good summer long program. Even if your school doesn't have one you could research some summer programs on the internet and choose from their. This way you still have the benefit of studying abroad but don't miss any time during the school year. You may have a harder time becoming completely fluent in the language, so when you're there make sure you buckle down and study!!! Don't bother trying to speak English the first couple of days. You need as much time as possible to immerse yourself in only Japanese. If you are already advanced level then a summer program will likely work very well for you.

Good luck!!