Why in the world would one spend their valuable time studying abroad during their limited university years? I assure you the reasons are not because it is simple, not because it fixes problems at home and not because it is comfortable. In fact, some of the most compelling reasons to study abroad are exactly the opposite of the reasons listed above. Studying abroad is a complex experience. However, it allows students the space to “tolerate ambiguity,” according to a survey taken by the Institute for the International Education of Students.
It gives students a brand new set of challenges, and after successfully overcoming those challenges students will have a well-earned sense of pride in their accomplishments and an increase in self-confidence.
Students are thrown out of their comfort zones, and as a direct result of the experience they develop a new, broader and better world.
Some may claim a study abroad experience is simply not for them. Most of those people do not know the basics of what can be accomplished during a sojourn, but who can blame them?
Many of those same people have been fed a steady and inaccurate, yet unintentional, diet of misinformation. Before they even entered the University of Idaho, many were told that study abroad is a luxury and a waste of time for a “serious” student, when in most situations this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Take for example a student who wants to follow in a family tradition and become a farmer for a living. In 2010, Idaho ranked third in the U.S. in the export of vegetables, according to the USDA, with $469 million in vegetable exports.
If one doesn’t understand the foreign markets to which they are selling these vegetables, then they will also misunderstand how to make new contacts and sales within their international markets.
Beyond the cultural consideration, students can often find academic offerings abroad to compliment what exists here at UI.
A great example is found in the Animal Science program at Lincoln University in New Zealand. An animal science student can take a course on wool production, a course not available within the extensive offerings here at UI.
Another example would be Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, where an architecture student can learn about urban architecture amidst the bustling metropolis of Bangkok.
These examples could go on, but that is not what is ultimately important. What is important is that students find a program that specifically benefits them, with their own unique wants and needs.
For the students reading this article, I have a challenge for you. Regardless of your desire to study in another country, look into what it would take to make it happen.
Come to the Study Abroad Fair this week and sign up for an information session. I have found that to progress in life requires an investigation into all reasonable opportunities, and one should only reject or accept those opportunities after an honest investigation of them.
Do yourselves a favor — honestly investigate the study abroad experience. When the dust settles, you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised by what you have found.
Colton Oliphant can be reached at [email protected]