Studying Abroad by Izabella

Studying Abroad by Izabella - November 2017 Scholarship Essay

The pursuit of obtaining a higher education is a must in order to have success in the future. Being accepted into an accredit college or university opens a student’s prospects to expand their knowledge and education. Most, if not all institutions offer a study abroad program that gives students the amazing opportunity to expand their horizons and study in a foreign educational facility. The opportunity to live and experience a foreign land, people and cultures would produce life long memories for those students who are fortunate enough to study abroad.

I have given great thought and consideration to my future education and studying abroad has crossed my mind. College in itself, is going to bring a drastic change to my life in the sense of living away from home and being in charge of all aspects of day to day living. I think about what that would entail if I decided to pursue an opportunity to study in a foreign land. My college experience would be greatly enhanced with the additional cultural exposures that I would have. I would have to be very wise in my time management to allow for ample study and assignment completion time versus time to explore the land and local culture of the host country. The exposure of being in a foreign land for an extended period of time would allow for learning of its history and current ways of life. A vacation would only touch on the tourism aspect of a visit, but being able to live and study for an extended period of time would allow for the true possibility to learn of the destination and all that this unfamiliar place would have to offer.

Moving away from home and on to a college campus will bring a new level of diverse interactions for me. Studying abroad would only enhance that experience and I know that I will meet those from all walks of life. Learning about other people and their cultures will introduce me to customs and ways of life that I am sure I have no idea that even exist. From unfamiliar foods to activities, sports and local traditions, these experiences will grow my knowledge of a new land.

I know that studying abroad would bring some challenges to me personally. First and foremost, being away from my family for an extended period of time would be very difficult. I would have to give serious thought how being homesick would affect my overall experience expanding my educational experience to a foreign country. I know that I would have to stay very busy, both with my studies and taking advantage of exploring the country and culture to avoid being homesick as much as possible.

Another factor that I would have to consider is the actual location. With the unfortunate instability in our world today, I would be a fool not to consider my own personal safety in leaving home. I know that terrorism is here on our home soil, but just being thousands of miles away from the security of home and family adds a layer of concern. Again, just another factor in determining the pros and cons of studying abroad.

Taking into consideration all the positives and negatives of experiencing a semester of studying overseas, I believe that the opportunities to grow and expand my knowledge of the world would outweigh any adverse concerns. To be able to live and study in an unfamiliar place would open and expand my appreciation of all the world has to offer my generation.