Far and Away
Why travelling abroad is a must for college students
by KJ Hamilton

I have always wanted to go abroad - to see the things I’ve only read about in books. I’ve wanted to study the paintings in the Louvre and stand on the stage at the Globe Theatre in London. I never realized the endless possibilities that are available to students—especially those with a desire to travel overseas. (Where was Google when I was in college?) The closest I ever came to studying abroad was riding the bus with the international cast members who worked at Epcot in Walt Disney World. While there’s nothing wrong with Mickey, it’s not the same as being at Stonehenge or visiting the Vatican City near Rome.

Most universities offer credit for traveling abroad to take classes; especially if your program of choice ties directly in with your major. Be sure to check with your on-campus advisor or the university experiential or distance learning programs. There are so many options available for students abroad, it’s best to break them down:

- There are student programs in almost every country in the world. Imagine spending a semester in Germany or Jamaica. Others could opt for places like Romania or Thailand. Pick a country and you’re off.

- Multi-country programs are another option. See Mexico, Peru and Argentina or pick a themed program that encompasses several more pit stops. This option also offers more credits, as there are more classes to take.

- Imagine spending a semester on a ship! This is ideal if you happen to have an interest in marine biology—or if you just have a desire to see the entire world. You’ll travel more than 24,000 nautical miles and see more than ten international destinations. Programs like Semester at Sea are available to students from all colleges and universities.

- There are opportunities to choose language-intense courses. Take a semester to submerge yourself in a heritage and culture. It’s the absolute ideal way to learn another language.

- Not only are there opportunities to take classes, but there are internships available as well. Apply for a job in Hong Kong or London, and you’re not only guaranteed a wealth of education, but it might lead to job prospects once you graduate.

- Volunteering abroad is another option. You might gain practical knowledge and insight that a classroom (yes, even a classroom in Jamaica) cannot provide. Volunteer to teach English in Turkey or Jordan and receive free room and board in return. Plant a tree in Africa, and become submerged in the local culture. Your university might also accept this experience for credit, so be sure to check that out.

- Some overseas volunteer programs also accept non-students, and working adults. This is an amazing opportunity to break away from the daily grind, see the world, and lend a hand to someone who needs it.

- There are also programs for recent graduates. You can find work in Britain, Ireland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. There are companies that offer paid internship to graduates who wish to gain international work experience as well.

- And don’t forget: there’s always graduate school. There are programs for graduate school abroad with just as many—if not more—opportunities as undergraduate programs. Be sure to look into these options as they relate to your specific field of study.

The main benefit of studying and working abroad is experience. You will have something that no one else can take away from you: a semester of memories that will last a life time. Your time abroad will look fantastic on your resume, it’s true. But the lessons and ideals you learn on an internship remain with you—no matter where you end up. You’ll have the opportunity to submerge yourself in local culture; network; and discover that you could do things you had no idea you could do. It’s fun to be able to challenge yourself, and leaving the familiar behind to step forth into the unknown is the ultimate challenge. In the end, though, the benefits are worth the risk.