Why Studying Abroad Should be a Requirement, Not an Option, for American Students | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Why Studying Abroad Should be a Requirement, Not an Option, for American Students

Because studying abroad enriches your soul and your mind.

16
Why Studying Abroad Should be a Requirement, Not an Option, for American Students
Alyssa Viernes

Hi! My name is Alyssa and I am a student Franklin University Switzerland, which happens to be located in SWITZERLAND!

For two years now, I've been studying abroad and basically living as an US expat in the Italian region of Switzerland. I've had to learn how to speak Italian and, in general, learn the ways of the Swiss.

Plus, one of my university's best assets is their Academic Travel course, where students are basically required to travel around Europe and other areas (like South Africa and Japan) for class credits. So, not only have I had to learn the ways of the Swiss, but basically how not to offend or stand out as a tourist across Europe. It helps that my university is diverse, with many of its students coming from around the world (think Brazil, United Arab Emirates, Russia).

I've become a huge believer of the benefits that studying abroad can bring the average American student, and it hurts me so much that many American students don't even want to.

So, here are some reasons that I feel that studying abroad should no longer be an option but a requirement for American students. I mean, in the olden days, it was basically required for a well-educated individual to have studied abroad.

1. It breaks stereotypes.

One of the core teachings of my school is based on this TED talk by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie called "The Danger of A Single Story." The basic teaching of Adichie's talk is that there is always more than one perspective about another person or country and that only believing in one perspective can lead to deep misunderstandings.

While living abroad, I've learned the importance of realizing the faults of the single story. While in Rome, I learned that the picturesque romantic image of the city displayed in the media (think "Roman Holiday" or "When In Rome") is not exactly true. The city is crowded and can be dirty. Plus, depending on the area, it's clear to see the residents are sick and tired of tourists. This doesn't mean it's not fun to visit Rome. The ancient ruins are amazing, believe me. Please visit actually because the trip is worth. Just know, the city just isn't only the loveliness found in "The Lizzie McGuire Movie" (still waiting for my Paolo to appear). The movie "The Grand Beauty" could be a better way to understand the modern city, if you're interested.

Nonetheless, studying abroad breaks the preconceived notions and images of the stereotypes we've been taught to believe in back home. It gives you more than what vacationing could ever give you.

2. It brings opportunity for the exchange of ideas.

An unique experience to happen in most American universities is the chance to meet people from all over. This aspect is brought to a whole different level when you study abroad, especially at my university (Franklin University Switzerland). Like I mentioned before, my university population is pretty diverse. Although there is a large majority of the population coming from America (I did mention my university is an American school with all courses taught in English, right?), we still have many students coming from countries around the world like Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Russia, China, Germany, etc. In addition, while traveling around Europe, your bound to meet strangers and end up conversing with them.

Putting that all in perspective, everyone is bound to have different upbringings and ideas than yourself. From my experience, many people are interested in the life of an American, so you'll have plenty to talk about. However, I urge you to listen unbiasedly to the stories and thoughts of the other individuals. It just makes you start to think differently. Suddenly, the countries and cultures have faces and names to them and finally you start seeing them as humans and not the faces of news stories that are difficult to relate to.

3. It breaks your bubble.

Strangely enough, while growing up in America, you start to gain the American pride. You start thinking towards foreigners, "this is America, so you should know English!" For some reason that pride carries with you abroad and you continue to think "I only need to know English and they'll all forgive me because I am American and I can do anything". Sorry to break this to you, but it all isn't true.

While studying abroad, your American pride is broken and you start to learn of the word "humility" (definitely a word that should be more reinforced). From what I've experienced so far, every other country believes the same thing we do except it's more like "you're in Switzerland, so at least know French, German, or Italian, and if you speak English, sorry to break this to you, but I don't understand you." If you think you can get away with anything abroad because you're a foreigner who doesn't know better, I can say that's definitely not true, for the most part.

So, the lesson is that being American doesn't make you all powerful. Sometimes just vacationing abroad doesn't give you that perspective, because usually you're just venturing to the tourist friendly areas. Studying abroad, however, enriches your soul and your mind.

So, that's my spiel for this week. I wonder what else I'll talk about next week? Maybe my recent adventure in France?

Stay up-to-date with me by following my Instagram: @afridayhabit

See you next week!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

178998
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

6180
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

451752
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

22879
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments