One of the best parts of studying abroad is that you get to travel to a different country for the length of your program. However, there is an assumption that it's just a vacation, but it's so much more than that.
There's a reason why it's called studying abroad. During my study abroad, I am still taking classes. It's no different than any other semester; I'm expected to write papers, attend class, and take final exams. I still have to study and worry about my classes. I'm not just hanging out in another country without any responsibilities.
I'm also here for more than just a visit. As a language major, I'm studying abroad to improve my language skills and learn about the culture. The majority of the learning that I'm doing is outside of the classroom. Seeing different parts of the country and of my city is more important for a general understanding of the country.
Studying abroad shouldn't feel like you're just sitting in a room and studying, but it should still be education. Summer study abroad programs are about a month long, so there ends up being less coursework. However, I still have to attend the same amount of classes, even if I have fewer assignments.
The classes can still be relevant to what you would be taking at your university. Even if you're not doing a language program, you can still take classes that are important to your major or minor and not general education requirements. Either way, with a study abroad, taking classes is a key component of the program.
At the very least, the knowledge that you get from living in a different country creates valuable skills. Understanding another country's culture broadens one's perspective on the world. It also increases the empathy one has for other people, and it helps you see the same events from different points of view.
Studying abroad can be seen as a glorified vacation, but there is so much more to it than that. Even within study abroad programs, there's the feeling that because you're abroad and it's the summer, there is no reason to care about the classes that you're taking. Studying abroad is a unique experience, but you're not fully experiencing it if you can't share as much information from your classes as you can from your weekends.
I have learned so much from this past month. In addition to clarifying things that I've learned in class, I've also been exposed to things that I never would've been exposed to in classes. Learning about something is so much more meaningful when you can see it in person and apply it to everyday life.
