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An increasing number of college students are opting to study for a year in a foreign country. The school year of 2002-2003 saw an increase of 8.5% of students studying abroad, a total of over 174,000! It has been on the increase ever since. Significantly, this was the year after 9/11. Students seemed to sense afresh that America is not an isolated country but an integral part of the world. Studying abroad gave them hands-on experience in another culture of the world they call home. But is that the only reason students are opting to study abroad? Those who have written about their experience share so many benefits that an article of this size could only begin to outline a few.

Think of your resume in a few years. Having “studied abroad” on it is a definite advantage for future employment. Employers are looking for the experience and skills learned by the demands of cross-cultural learning. Qualities like creativity, teamwork, patience, flexibility, and innovation are just a few of these.

While studying abroad, students develop self-confidence because they are daily forced to make decisions while in difficult situations. Language obstacles and cultural differences forces one to do what is needed to find answers, and to have a good sense of humor when they accidentally say something other than they wanted to.

Studying abroad often immerses the student in a foreign language. Even if he has studied the language previously, learning to use it naturally is often a giant step beyond the classroom. Hearing the language used by everyday people and using it himself forces him to make it his own.

There’s no better form of immersion than studying a country’s art, music, literature, and history in their original context. It can’t help but create greater levels of learning.

What do people in other countries think about Americans? Whatever it is, the view is obviously a stereotype. There is no such thing as a typical American. Students studying abroad will confront these things first hand and, in the process, both dispel the stereotypes about them, and dispel a few of their own about others.

By attending a school located in a major international city, one can experience many cultures in addition to those of his adopted country. Learning from students who have come from other countries will broaden their perspective further.

There is always the added benefit of multiple choices for tourism. In Europe, the Eurail system, for example, is famous for being punctual and extensive. For a small fee you can travel by train to many famous sites close at hand.

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