Want to challenge yourself to a life changing learning experience? Consider the possibility of studying abroad. Students can choose from a huge variety of year long, semester long, and summer study abroad programs in colleges and universities all over the world. International study can be an overwhelming experience, at least at first, but many students find that the rewards are worth the effort.

Is study abroad a good option for you? Here are some advantages to consider, and some drawbacks to keep in mind.

ADVANTAGES TO STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS

• Learn about another culture. Living in a different country for awhile will teach you way more than you can learn in any book about that culture.
• Master another language. When you suddenly find yourself immersed in a world where everyone speaks another language, you may be scared out of your mind. But this wears off, and before you know it you’ll be fluent.
• A crash course in independence. When you study abroad, there’s no going home to Mom and Dad when you’re lonely or need to do your laundry. You’re on your own. Scary as this may be, the experience of having to rely on yourself will serve you well.
• Meet amazing people. Tired of running into the same people on campus all the time? Studying abroad gives you the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. It’s also a great way to build interpersonal skills, as you’ll be in a situation where you need to befriend and interact with strangers who are quite different than you.
• An amazing opportunity to travel. If you study abroad, you’ll probably have the opportunity to visit neighboring cities and countries.
• New course opportunities. Your new school undoubtedly has courses that your old school does not. In addition, courses will offer a different cultural perspective on subjects you’ve been studying back home.
• Great résumé material. Employers and graduate school committees will take note of an international study experience. Studying abroad helps students become more mature, resilient, and interpersonally adept, and all of these qualities are priceless in the workplace.
• Technology makes communication back home easier. Sure, you’ll be homesick. But with email, IM, and reasonably cheap international cell phone minutes, study abroad has become an easier transition away from home than it used to be.
• Learn about yourself and your own culture. When you stand outside of your culture for a change, you get new perspectives on it and your role within it. You become a fish out of water with the unique opportunity to look back into your tank.

DRAWBACKS TO STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS

• Culture shock. Prepare to feel overwhelmed, both when you submerge yourself in another culture and when you return to your own. The surprisingly difficult experience of coming back is called re-entry shock. The experience of shifting cultures can make you more resilient, but is more difficult for some people than others. Be realistic with yourself; if you don’t think you’re ready for this kind of experience, maybe it’s not for you.
• Academic transfer issues. Study abroad credits may not transfer to your school or to your major. Potentially, study abroad can slow down your progress towards graduation. Before you make a commitment to study abroad, sit down with a qualified advisor and figure out what problems you might encounter. Before you leave, find out which credits will transfer and which ones will not.
• Academic challenges. Consider the difficulties you may face learning to study in a completely different environment, especially if your classes are in another language. If you’re not a strong student to begin with, study abroad may not be a good idea.
• Money. Can you afford to study abroad? In some cases, study abroad isn’t much more expensive than your own tuition and may be covered by financial aid. This isn’t always the case, though. If money is a concern, do some investigating. Study abroad scholarships are available.
• Separation from family and friends. Independence is a good thing, but so is maintaining connections with your loved ones. If there are special circumstances at home, like a loved one who is terminally ill, maybe this isn’t the time for you to leave.
• Separation from romantic partners. An extended leave can put quite a strain on a relationship.
• Interruption of activities. If you are a college athlete or heavily involved in a student or community organization, studying abroad may cause you to make some choices about your commitment level.
• Discrimination issues. If you are thinking of studying in a culture where people of your demographic group are discriminated against or treated unfavorably, do your homework to find out if studying there will be a good idea. Factors like gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation may matter.

Remember, your school has resources to help you make an educated decision about whether you should study abroad and about what programs would most benefit you. Contact the International Study Office (or similarly named program) on your campus and investigate your options. Best of luck!