Why Study Abroad?
It is well known that the world’s economy is becoming more integrated, and that millions of people travel across international borders every year to study, work and live. In today’s economy, it is increasingly important that students learn more about the world we live in and learn to interact effectively with people from other parts of the world.
In his foreword to Preparing to Study Abroad, Ken Bouyer, Director of Inclusiveness Recruiting for Ernst and Young LLP, writes about the importance of developing a global perspective, global mind-set, and inclusive leadership. Studying abroad offers an ideal opportunity to step outside your comfort zone and “immerse yourself in the culture, customs and norms of another place.” Bouyer also asserts that “Clients want business partners who think globally and act inclusively.” [page xv]
In his foreword to Preparing to Study Abroad, Ken Bouyer, Director of Inclusiveness Recruiting for Ernst and Young LLP, writes about the importance of developing a global perspective, global mind-set, and inclusive leadership. Studying abroad offers an ideal opportunity to step outside your comfort zone and “immerse yourself in the culture, customs and norms of another place.” Bouyer also asserts that “Clients want business partners who think globally and act inclusively.” [page xv]
Several
research studies have found that studying abroad has a positive influence on
the development of interpersonal skills and career advancement, while other
research indicates that study abroad students earn more after graduation than
their peers who didn’t study abroad.
[page xix]
Here is a short list of reasons why you should consider traveling abroad to study, perform an internship, conduct an in-depth research project or participate in a service project. Doing so can help you do the following:
And there is more. See the longer list on pages xvii and xviii of Preparing to Study Abroad: Learning to Cross Cultures, as well as 10 strategies for cross-cultural engagement in Chapter 2 of that volume. Very helpful.
Here is a short list of reasons why you should consider traveling abroad to study, perform an internship, conduct an in-depth research project or participate in a service project. Doing so can help you do the following:
- Learn about other countries first-hand
- Study a foreign language and develop your language abilities
- Develop your communication skills and ability to interact with people who speak other languages
- Develop respect, patience and cultural sensitivity for people from other countries or cultures
- Learn new approaches to your academic discipline
- Understand yourself and your own cultural values, habits and expectations with greater clarity
And there is more. See the longer list on pages xvii and xviii of Preparing to Study Abroad: Learning to Cross Cultures, as well as 10 strategies for cross-cultural engagement in Chapter 2 of that volume. Very helpful.