Niraj Patel English 1103 4/10/2013 Study Abroad Impact When I was in 7th grade, I had a teacher named

Mr. Martin who was a pretty energetic math teacher. In his class, he would always tell some stories of when he was a student in Australia. He even devoted a day of class to go outside and throw boomerangs. This concept of studying in a whole new country sparked my interest so I asked him about it. He explained to me how he participated in a study abroad program where students could travel to different countries and study there as a part of college. I noticed that study abroad had a major impact in his life and opened his life to new experiences. Upon research it became clear that study abroad programs have a profound impact on the students who engaged in the experience. Students that enroll in study abroad are very aware that they will first experience culture shock. In fact, that might be a fear many students may have traveling to a new country. Some might consider that study abroad is just a way to travel to a new country however much evidence shows that study abroad is not just a fun trip but an experience that gives students new life skills. Studies have shown that study abroad enhances students cross-cultural skills (Kitsantas). The study abroad educators involved in the programs state that a main goal in study abroad is to train future global leaders to be more respectful of other cultures and political and economic systems (Dwyer). Not only do students gain insight on a certain countrys culture, students also learned a bit more about their own culture. In an International Education of Students (IES) study they surveyed more than 3400 former study abroad alumni to assess how study abroad affected the alumni years after the programs. In the study, 98 percent of the respondents acknowledged

that study abroad helped them to better understand their own cultural values and biases (Dwyer). This is because the programs challenged their own preconceptions of new cultures and gain an understanding in the differences between cultures. Living in a different country students became aware that the contrast in cultures was an eye-opening experience that showed them that their own culture values are treated much differently in other countries. In the same study 82 percent claimed study abroad helped them developed a more sophisticated way of looking at the world and 94 percent reported that they continue to influence interactions with people from different cultures (Dwyer). These statistics can be backed up by study abroad student from Michigan State University that said, I realized how little it takes to be truly happy. Americans can learn so much from this European, slower paced view of life. (Ingraham 95). There is an outstanding majority who feel that study abroad had a big effect on their intercultural development. Students, while being part of the program, adapt to that countrys culture and experience a new perspective of a different culture. Its also interesting that former alumni still use the life lessons learned on these programs in real world scenarios. The alumni in these programs learned many interpersonal skills from communicating to the native people and can easily relate to people from different backgrounds and culture differences (Kitsantas). The benefits of cultural awareness is very much appreciated to people with different cultures because it shows a sense of respect. Study abroad does not only benefit students culturally but also intellectually. The students learn more and are involved more in their academic work while studying abroad (Kitsantas). Students come back home with a bigger drive for education wanting to pursue higher degrees (Dwyer). One student commented: Having ten lectures in four days seemed overwhelming at first, but it went by real fast and hit all the important topics. The boring nightlife was a

disappointment, since this is supposed to be a college town. The academic experience more than made up for it though. Nice to stimulate your brain with thoughts and ideas rather than killing it by downing pilsner. (Ingraham 93) The education that students receive overseas is more valuable than expected. Study abroad is usually associated with foreign languages and through many studies has been found to contribute to students foreign language development. Study abroad has influenced many students to expand or change their majors. When questioned, 87 percent of the study abroad alumni said that study abroad influenced subsequent educational experiences. The whole program is based around education and learning is a main part of the experience. Another reason study abroad can be beneficial is the professional skills many students learn, and the future career attainment. Gary Abramson was part of a Madrid study abroad which led him to a graduate fellowship in Spain which is how he became a foreign correspondent based in Spain (Dwyer). Gary is one of the many students whose life was changed from study abroad. Study abroad also looks good in interviews because employers look for students who challenge themselves and learn from experiences (Nault). Study abroad alumni have the opportunity to incorporate their cross-cultural awareness and interpersonal skills that they received into their resume. Employers are also interested in the managerial abilities that shows an understanding of good teamwork and the interpersonal skills that can be gained through study abroad programs (Nault). Studying overseas, students learn to be more independent and are exposed to new diverse people that they must be able to communicate to. The duration of the programs have a relationship between their interpersonal skills as well (Dwyer). Students who studied for a long duration improved on communicating with other people especially people with diverse backgrounds. Many of the study abroad programs are focused on languages and fluency

in a different language is useful in many fields and is very much sought after by employers (Ingraham 90). Having to speak another language in different country is extremely beneficial to becoming fluent in that language. The length of the program also relates to foreign language acquisition, as it should, for the language they are learning is usually the native language of that country. Many of the students enrolled in programs took a foreign language and out of the students that haven't planned on taking a foreign language after completion. Study abroad is a great program to beef up a resume because not only is it academic related but it is also experience related. Alumni of study abroad after all the experience they gained and skills they learned, also show signs of personal growth. Through the IES study it found that 97 percent said studying abroad served as a catalyst for increased maturity, and 96 percent reported increased confidence (Dwyer). Students become more self-reliant through the programs. Living in an unfamiliar environment with the unexpected, interestingly is the reason why students develop a personal change. Being an outsider in a new world almost all by yourself is the main contributing factor that people become more confident and independent. A quote from a student from a Latin American program said: It is odd because I studied abroad to learn; to learn facts, statistics, and to gain knowledge. But instead I came away realizing more about myself than anything else. I realize more my intellectual interests, more my ability to communicate, and, once more, my place in the world. I realize how much I can depend on myself and how much I need to depend on others. If I had the chance, I would do the trip all over again. It broadened in every sense my idea of the world. (Ingraham)

This student describes how their life changed with a realization of their own life. They spend such a long time, hundreds maybe thousands of miles away in a new world with new people there is no wonder that they would become a different type of person. It seems clear that students gain much more than just an educational opportunity but an entire life-changing experience in a new world. Study abroad programs have some great advantages to students for their culture awareness, interpersonal skills, education, career attainment, and even personal growth. Personally I would be pleased to embark on study abroad programs and venture into a new country learning new things not just academically but about the people, culture, and even the food. Later in my collegiate career I could see myself enrolling in a study abroad for the experience. Through my research I have learned that there are many benefits to study abroad. Many people in academia have wrote articles and performed studies about the impact of study abroad. I learned that study abroad is a privilege that many student do not take, but with the plethora of benefits can help you become a mature, independent adult. It allows students to view how vastly different the world can be and makes them question how we know so little about many other cultures. Study abroad has shown that its not just about education but the overall accomplishment and achievements of the study abroad experience which will help guide students through many challenges in life.

Works Cited Dwyer, Mary M. "More Is Better: The Impact of Study Abroad Program Duration."Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad10 (2004): 151-163.

Dwyer, Mary M., and Courtney K. Peters. "The benefits of study abroad." Transitions Abroad37.5 (2004): 56-58. Ingraham, Edward C., and Debra L. Peterson. "Assessing the Impact of Study Abroad on Student Learning at Michigan State University."Frontiers: The interdisciplinary journal of study abroad10 (2004): 83-100. Kitsantas, Anastasia. "Studying Abroad: The Role Of College Students' Goalson The Development Of Cross-Cultural Skills And Global understanding." College Student Journal 38.3 (2004): 441-452. SPORTDiscus with Full Text. Web. 26 Mar. 2013. Nault, Nate. " Why Should I Study Abroad - articles - SA - Find a Study Abroad Program with StudyAbroad.com ."Study Abroad - SA - Find a Study Abroad Program with StudyAbroad.com. N.p.n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2013. http://www.studyabroad.com/articles/why-should-i-study-abroad.aspx