Students should venture across U.S. borders
Why should I learn another language when almost everyone speaks or understands English? Why should I leave the U.S. when I can go to the deserts, mountains and beaches here? If these questions sound familiar, continue reading.
Today, the world is more of a global community than ever before, with advancements in technology, communication and travel. There are vast opportunities for businesses to expand globally and for individuals in the U.S. to study, work or live abroad. These opportunities could quite possibly be life changing, or simply a chance to learn something new. With all these possibilities, it is perplexing to see people who are not taking advantage of them. At USU every student has the possibility to study abroad, and yet .02 percent of the student body takes advantage of it.
Is this due to specific classes students need to graduate, but aren’t offered through Study Abroad? Chances are there is a program through the Study Abroad Office where you can earn USU credits for a major or minor in locations all over the world.
Perhaps, students are concerned traveling abroad for school is too expensive. The prices of many Study Abroad programs are comparable to our current cost for tuition, and you can use financial aid or scholarships to help out. Also, there are national scholarships open for application, depending on a student’s desired international location.
A handful of majors at USU require a second language to complete the program, and studying abroad is one way to do so. Studying abroad is the optimal way to learn a new language, as you are immersed in a culture that speaks the language you are studying. Every day you will be able to listen and speak to locals in their native dialect and be forced to practice your second language outside of the classroom. Although a large fraction of the world has adopted English as its second or third language, the quality of the conversation is enhanced while speaking the native tongue of the another person. The local citizens genuinely appreciate foreigners who are trying to learn their language and often offer their help with not only the language, but also with any other questions you may have. This presents an opportunity to improve language skills and make new friends.
If anyone has dreamt about traveling the world and seeing new and interesting things, Study Abroad gives you that opportunity. While you will be taking classes, there are always weekends or holidays in which you can hop on a train or plane and go to a different country in a matter of hours. Being exposed to a multitude of different people and cultures opens your eyes to another world, while giving you a new perspective on your own culture and home. There will likely be situations you are put in that challenge, reinforce, or alter the beliefs and ideas you had before your travels. There is really no other way to experience this without living in a foreign country.
Only four percent of undergraduate students in the U.S. study abroad, creating more job opportunities for those who can include it on their resume or in an interview. From an employer’s point of view, a student who has studied abroad is independent, motivated, embraces challenges well, and is able to deal with unusual and unforeseen problems or situations. If you really want to be set apart from other job applicants, studying abroad emphasizes the fact that you have successfully lived and studied in a foreign country while acquiring another language. If this is not a step up on other applicants, I am not sure what is.
Do this for yourself — to get out of Utah or wherever you may live, and experience something that you may never have the chance to do again. USU Study Abroad has great programs that can give everyone this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
— Zach Larsen is the Programming VP on ASUSU’s executive council. A column from a member of this council will appear every Monday. Comments can be sent to statesmaneditor@aggiemail.usu.edu.