Gain 7 Rewards By Studying At International Schools | College and University

By SamuelS.Peters
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Word Count: 406

An increasing number of college students are opting to study for a year in a foreign country. The school year of 2002-2003 saw an increase of 8.5% of students studying abroad, a total of over 174,000! It has been on the increase ever since. Significantly, this was the year after 9/11. Students seemed to sense afresh that America is not an isolated country but an integral part of the world. Studying abroad gave them hands-on experience in another culture of the world they call home. But is that the only reason students are opting to study abroad? Those who have written about their experience share so many benefits that an article of this size could only begin to outline a few.

Think of your resume in a few years. Having "studied abroad" on it is a definite advantage for future employment. Employers are looking for the experience and skills learned by the demands of cross-cultural learning. Qualities like creativity, teamwork, patience, flexibility, and innovation are just a few of these.

While studying abroad, students develop self-confidence because they are daily forced to make decisions while in difficult situations. Language obstacles and cultural differences forces one to do what is needed to find answers, and to have a good sense of humor when they accidentally say something other than they wanted to.

Studying abroad often immerses the student in a foreign language. Even if he has studied the language previously, learning to use it naturally is often a giant step beyond the classroom. Hearing the language used by everyday people and using it himself forces him to make it his own.

A country's literature, music, art, and history are ubiquitous to students studying abroad. Enjoying these things in their natural settings adds new depths of appreciation.

By living with the natives, a student will understand first hand what stereotyping is. It will help him see his own guilt in stereotyping others, and will give him a venue for ridding the locals of their stereotypes of Americans.

An added benefit to studying abroad is the fact that the student is not alone in doing so. Students from many countries will be there, sharing their cultures and lives with the others. In this way, global awareness is compounded.

Most likely, the student will be close to a vast wealth of tourist opportunities. The Eurail system in Europe, for example, is famous for being punctual and extensive. Travel is comfortable and famous sites are not far away.

About the Author

Many colleges and universities can advise students about what is available for international schools. Your life could very well be changed if you invested some time in studying at one of the best international schools.

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