Exploration to the New by Sofia

Exploration to the New by Sofia - March 2016 Scholarship Essay

Everybody has their own interests and hobbies which means every activity does not attract everyone. Travelling for example is highly preferred by many but some do not like being away from their home. It causes uncomfortness and anxiety for some. I personally think it should not be required for all college students to study abroad but they should have the option and easy access to do so. Students should really take studying abroad in mind because it allows you to take in a new culture and expands language skills.
You learn so much about other people and yourself when you are in a new environment different than what you have been around all your life. Exploring a new culture teaches you about the way others live and allows you to respect and expand your interests with food, religion, daily activities and interacting with others. You meet others and observe the way they live and how different their culture is from yours. Studying abroad will move you into a new culture for the time you are there and opens your eyes on others lifestyles.
It is obvious you must study the language the country you are going to speaks when studying abroad. Yes, you may have learned from books and lectures on how to say “hello” or “thank you” in that language but those are just the basics. Every language has their own slang and different way of speaking in their own country where it is always used. Your vocabulary in that language will expand and increase while living in that area and communicating with those fluent. It will teach you so much more about the language and their environment.
Whether or not anybody or everybody is interested in studying abroad, I do not think it should be required for college students. It should be easily accessible as to it allows students to soak in and be educated in others’ cultures and expands language skills. Personally, I would love to study abroad as I feel I would return back as a more positive person who has experienced what could not have been experienced here.