The Study Abroad Experience

Why study abroad?   Because the experience will:

• Expand your horizons.  As you slip into another culture you'll meet new people, sample new food, and try things you've never tried before. You'll learn others' customs, habits, and points of view. And you'll live a different kind of life from your own.
• Sharpen your intellect and skills.  As you study and travel abroad, you'll explore new ideas. You'll learn to observe and listen more closely. And you'll strengthen your ability to communicate — often in another language as well as your own.
• Stimulate self–reflection.  People who spend time living in another country often say they learn as much about themselves and their own culture as they do about their host culture.
• Give you a professional edge.  A study–abroad experience on your application — whether it's for a job or graduate school — sets you apart from other applicants. It says that you are curious, motivated, and resourceful. It also suggests that you have gained global perspective — a highly valued attribute.
• Change your life.

Carla Panetta, who studied in Verona, Italy, for a semester, says, “The experience really opened up my eyes in so many different ways. Now I feel more independent and ready to take on the world.” Read Carla’s story.

Dana Francois, who studied first in China then in Germany during the summer, says, “The programs definitely changed me in the way that I am now a lot more open and eager to experience more.” Read Dana’s story.

Learn more about the study abroad experience. Studyabroad.com’s handbook offers a good starting point to help you decide whether to embark on a study abroad program, and how to go about it. Then come visit us in the Study Abroad Office to talk over your ideas and plans, and to have your questions answered.