Transform Your Perspective: The Impact of Studying Abroad

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The Impacts of Study Abroad Programs is a life-changing experience that goes beyond academics.

Studying abroad is a life-changing experience that goes beyond academics. It builds confidence, fosters independence, broadens perspectives, and enhances various skills. From making deep connections with friends to gaining a global outlook, the impacts of studying abroad are immense. Some colleges and universities even require a semester of study abroad. I attended Columbus State University and applied for a scholarship to Oxford University sponsored by the Spencer Foundation out of the University of California at Berkeley. Here’s why every student should consider this transformative journey.

Table of Contents

• Confidence and Independence
• Expanding Perspectives
• Enhanced Skills
• Accessible Travel
• Deep Connections
• Reflecting on American Culture
• Flexible Free Time
• Creating Memories
• Conclusion

Confidence and Independence

Studying abroad builds confidence and independence. Navigating a foreign country alone teaches self-reliance. Exploring museums, dining out, and traveling solo foster a sense of freedom. Making friends who challenge you enhances personal growth. The impact of studying abroad is evident in how it empowers students to tackle challenges independently.

It was my first time traveling abroad alone, and a little intimidating. The first time my debit card didn’t work, I panicked and called home. Nothing was wrong; my husband just told me to use another ATM. Problem averted.

Expanding Perspectives

Living in a different culture grows your perspective. You view the world from new angles, gaining appreciation for different viewpoints. You might not always agree or understand, but you learn to respect and value diverse opinions. The impact of studying abroad includes recognizing and appreciating the complexity of global perspectives. It was funny talking about the War for Independence, which in the UK is comically referred to as the War of Usurpation.

Enhanced Skills

Listening skills improve when surrounded by foreign languages. You learn to listen deeper for patterns and inflections. Afterward, you can quickly identify different accents, such as the difference between two English-speaking people, one from Japan and the other from South Korea. Geography skills increase as you explore new regions no longer included in public education. Living abroad exposes you to global news, broadening your awareness beyond America’s centralized perspective. You learn that the world does not rotate around the United States. The impact of studying abroad becomes clear as your listening and geographical skills improve significantly.

Accessible Travel

Travel is way more accessible and more affordable in Asia and Europe. Frequent, inexpensive travel opportunities allow for rich cultural experiences and exploration. I was studying history and architecture, and my tutor, a professor in the US, suggested I go to Paris to see Sainte-Chapelle. So I did. Unfortunately, I forgot to change my watch due to the time difference, so I missed the last train and had to stay overnight in Paris—poor me.

Deep Connections

Making casual friends abroad often leads to deep connections. Studying abroad creates quick but strong bonds. I loved meeting people from all over. One woman from India told me she would marry someone her parents had arranged. She was excited but hadn’t met him yet. After I returned home, she invited me to her wedding, but I couldn’t attend. I didn’t find a lifelong friend while studying abroad, but I loved the time we shared. I enjoyed the pub crawls, trips to Harrods, formal dining at the Merton Dining Hall (like Hogwarts), and trying new foods like beets, rutabaga, and curry.

Reflecting on American Culture

The impact of a study abroad program extends beyond academics, affecting political, social, and moral perspectives. Living abroad reveals the uniqueness of American customs and highlights that American news is not the world’s primary information source. As one of 194 countries, the U.S. can evoke diverse opinions, and you may encounter differing views on the American government.

Experiencing life abroad challenges the narratives provided by American media and education, offering a neutral ground to reassess beliefs. One study abroad experience can transform your outlook. Frequent travelers often experience reverse culture shock upon returning home, emphasizing the profound impact of international experiences.

Flexible Free Time

Study abroad programs offer flexible schedules. This free time allows travel, immersion in hobbies, and pursuing new interests. Not only did I get to Paris for the first time, but I also went to Italy for a week. I visited all the monuments in Rome, and when that got too loud, I hopped on a boat to the Isle of Capri for an overnight trip. I highly suggest you travel with other students and go on a solo trip.

Creating Memories

Journaling your study abroad experiences helps you reflect and create lasting memories. Writing about your adventures enhances your ability to appreciate and learn from them. The details can get lost quickly, so I highly suggest you write them down and take lots of pictures. Honestly, I wish I had taken more, but I will never forget some things. I will never forget the first time I was invited to drink with the dean and my tutor before dinner one day. I will never forget lying on the lawn inside the university, which seemed otherworldly, and looking up to see a plane overhead, snapping me back into the current century. And I will never forget to check the time difference when traveling so I never miss another train. But if I do, I will remember that if the ATM card does not work, just try another one.

Conclusion

Look at my younger self. Studying abroad truly changed my life. It boosted my confidence, opened my mind, and sharpened my skills. It catalyzed my love affair with traveling solo and being fearless.

When I got to study at Oxford, I was married, and we had two little kids. The scholarship paid for the big stuff, like tuition and a place to stay, but we had to handle everything else. Money was tight, and it wasn’t easy to pack up and go. But my husband was all in—he didn’t want me looking back years later, wishing I had gone. So, we made it work. My mom even moved in to help with the kids. I am forever grateful to them both.

Stepping out of your usual routine isn’t just a change of scenery; it’s an opportunity to grow and see the world with clear eyes. It’s been almost 20 years, and the experiences remain relevant today.

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