Reasons to Study Abroad | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Reasons to Study Abroad

“I am not the same, having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.” – Mary Anne Radmacher

12
Reasons to Study Abroad
McKenzie Julian

Yesterday I returned from spending a Maymester abroad in Santiago, Chile. I lived with a host family for just over 3 weeks in hopes of better improving my Spanish skills. I spent those 3 weeks living without the comfort of home and without my family and close friends. I was forced to be self-sufficient, even more so than college forced me to be. Studying abroad was one of the best things I've done in my life so far. Here are some reasons why you should study abroad–or travel in general–if given the chance.

1. You learn what you're capable of

Before studying abroad, I didn't realize how capable I was to find my way through a large city where the majority of people didn't speak my language. I was surprised at how quickly I picked up on certain things and learned how to get around without getting (completely) lost. I was much more capable than I thought.

2. You experience a different culture first-hand

You can learn as much about a country and their culture from a textbook but you won't really understand it or know what it's actually like until you integrate yourself into it and experience it first-hand. Living with a family, I experienced so many things that I would have never learned about in a textbook. I saw both the small and little differences between Chilean culture and American culture and was able to appreciate the differences.

3. You learn a lot about yourself

You learn more of what you like and what you don't; what makes you happy and what doesn't. You find out things you can improve on. You learn more about your strengths and weaknesses. Studying abroad is a great way to learn more about who you are and who you want to be.

4. You get to see the world

There will be fewer chances to travel the world for as cheap as you can while studying abroad. Take the chance while you can. Experience a new world.

5. You get to meet amazing people

I traveled with an amazing group of students. We all tried to hang out as much as possible and they helped make the trip as amazing as it was. There wasn't really any drama or craziness which allowed the trip to be less stressful and more fun. I didn't know any of them beforehand but I had a great time getting to know them all.

There are so many more reasons why you should travel abroad. If you ever get the chance to study abroad during college, take the chance.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over
reference.com

To those who celebrate, you just spent an entire day cooking an elaborate meal with all of your favorite foods. You probably ate your body weight in pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes. What happens now? Oh yea, Christmas. It’s time to take out all of the decorations and Christmas themed things that have been sitting in the attic since last year; it’s time to make a reappearance. So, here are 10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

3128
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

1884
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

201155
 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

21515
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

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments