Picture stepping out of the airport after coming back from a foreign country that you’d previously only seen in pictures. There were new people to meet, new food to taste, and new places to explore. What you didn’t consider was the person that you’d become afterwards. You’re stronger, more mature, and your worldview has broadened. Studying abroad may feel overwhelming at first due to the foreign environment, but the meaningful experiences you’ll gain with the people in your program will change your life for the better. Many students who once considered studying abroad can contest that doing so helped them grow both as people and in their careers. Those considering participating in the future might be curious about the benefits of studying abroad.
Building Lifelong Strengths:
By studying abroad, college students can expand their skillset and experience personal growth. Living, learning, and working in a new environment develops independence and self-reliance. Students studying abroad must adapt to new situations and make decisions for themselves. Many students describe having gained a stronger sense of confidence in themselves and ambition to pursue their goals. Hayley Freeman, a college student studying overseas in Paris states, “I learned how to navigate new places and communicate with others which I think will help me professionally. I also gained a lot of self confidence from being independent in the city for three weeks.” Through their experiences, students also learn to communicate effectively in their cohorts/groups and expand their worldview to other cultures.
The Cultural Competency and Global Citizenship of Students:
Immersing themselves in another culture and/or language allows students to:
- Better understand global issues
- Increase intercultural competence
- Speed up language learning
Living in an environment where others are speaking in another language is one of the fastest ways to achieve fluency. This is because it increases contextual learning. You learn new vocabulary in natural conversation rather than memorization. Plus, actively taking part in another culture rather than learning about it remotely is a much richer experience to enjoy!
Preparing for Your Future
International education is an investment for the future, as it gives students experience that employers value due to strengths such as adaptability and problem solving. When you’re in another country, you may find yourself in situations that you are unfamiliar with and you must navigate them, oftentimes in a different language. When you’re in a new workplace, you’ll also have to adapt to a new environment and job. If you’ve faced a similar situation, you’ll be better prepared to succeed.
Another one of the benefits of studying abroad is a higher average future starting salary. In fact statistics show a $4,159 salary bump in the first job for business students who’ve studied abroad. Leah Hammill, a student who studied abroad in Mendoza through API confirms, “Studying abroad means investing in yourself, which is the best investment you can make.”
Academic Success:
Academically, students who’ve studied abroad have higher average GPAs and graduation rates than students who only stay on campus. A study done by CASSIE shows the average GPA and graduation rate of students who’ve studied abroad vs who haven’t:
Students who have studied abroad:
- GPA: 3.42
- Degree in 6 years or less: 95.9%
Students who have not studied abroad:
- GPA: 3.23
- Degree in 6 years or less: 82.4%
Additionally, it allows students to acquire credits needed for their majors. Jawad Zaman, an API ambassador alumni from Saint Joseph’s University reports, “Study abroad adds so much value to your personal and professional life. It allowed me to take classes I needed for my degree, so I did not have to worry about overlapping courses. I was able to fulfill many of my requirements.” During his experience, he was able to take classes to get ahead, while also learning more about Japan by exploring its sites and beauty. Traveling abroad is a holistic experience that supports education through action and adventure.
Economic Access:
Many students and parents are worried about the cost of studying abroad, but luckily, many scholarships and financial aid opinions are available. Notable scholarships funded by API include the API Opportunity Scholarship, API Academic Excellence Scholarship, and API’s Early Bird Scholarship. These programs offer up to $1000 each for students studying abroad. Also, API offers an award to students who’ve received the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. These students are eligible to receive up to $1,000 in matching contributions from API semester programs, or up to $500 in matching contributions for shorter term programs.
In order to find the ideal scholarship based on your qualifications and needs, search available scholarships at https://apiabroad.com/scholarships/.
Another option is interning abroad. Pairing an internship with scholarships and/or financial aid can drastically lower costs for students. It also allows you to get work experience, which future employers value!
Your Experience Awaits!
One of the greatest benefits of studying abroad, however, is the amazing memories you’ll make. It’s an exciting opportunity to forge friendships that will last a lifetime and experience unforgettable moments. Whether you’re walking the streets of Rome or visiting the beaches of Greece, adventure and success await for students who choose to take a chance.
– By Carolyn Craig, API Marketing Intern
