1.  Studying abroad is a life-changing experience

Studying and living in a different culture will help you see the world from a completely different perspective. It is an amazing experience that will change your life. Studying abroad is your chance to travel and gain perspective at the same time (not to mention academic credit). So many people travel abroad and "see the sights" without understanding the greater importance or significance of those places or events. By studying abroad you get to spend a great deal more time overseas, and thus have the opportunity to ask a lot more in-depth questions.

2.  Learn about yourself, be independent

Studying abroad is an occasion to challenge yourself with new situations that will test your abilities to adapt and learn. You may find yourself questioning some of your most long-held beliefs. All you need to succeed is an open mind and a good sense of humor. The perspective gained through a study abroad experience is second to none. 

3.  It is a chance to gain perspective on your own culture

Studying abroad is a chance to step outside of the ordinary and look at life from a completely new perspective. Many students return amazed that while studying abroad they learned just as much about the United States and its culture as they did about life in their host country.

4.  Studying Abroad is a chance to gain true language fluency

The best way to truly become fluent in a language is to be immersed in it. If you've studied a language for several years and wish to gain fluency in that language, we can assist you in finding the right program to help you gain fluency in the language(s) of your choice. 

5.  Numerous foreign language programs are available

Many programs offer beginning language classes for students with no prior experience in the language. Studying abroad is your chance to move toward acquiring a second language in the best possible way.

6.  You don't have to speak a foreign language to study abroad

Many study abroad programs don't require any foreign language. This doesn't limit students to England, Australia and Western Canada! You could study in China, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Hungary, or Italy (as only a few examples) without any prior language experience. 

7.  Resumé building material

What could possibly look better on a resumé than to boast that you interned with a German engineering firm, studied marine biology on the coast of Australia, or worked for a member of Parliament in London? In today's global economy, study abroad can be a defining element to every student's undergraduate degree. Many companies increasingly desire leaders with the ability to live successfully in a variety of countries and work with co-workers of varying cultural backgrounds.

8.  There are programs that will work with any major

Not only are there study abroad programs that offer classes that can help you gain credit toward your major, there are programs that run for a variety of time frames (year, semester, or summer), meaning any student can fit a study abroad experience into their academic schedule. 

9.  Many programs offer unique academic structures

Studying abroad offers you the opportunity to break out of your comfort zone by providing programs that have a myriad of academic possibilities. Some examples of this are doing biology research in Costa Rica, performing a business internship for a Japanese finance company, dance and theatre classes in India, social work opportunities in South Africa, or designing your own academic project in India or Costa Rica… and many, many more.

10.  Make connections and friendships that can last a lifetime