Although it may seem challenging or risky, studying abroad can be one of the best parts of your Penn State experience — especially if you step outside your comfort zone.
As someone who has studied abroad in the Czech Republic and will be abroad again this semester, my advice to others is to take a leap of faith and try something new.
Whether you’re an experienced traveler or you’ve never left the country, studying abroad presents a unique opportunity to completely immerse yourself in a new culture.
Here is a list of six reasons everyone should study abroad during college.
1. Become more independent
Although it can be scary to leave everything you know behind, you’ll learn so much from pursuing education abroad.
Before going abroad, I didn’t have much experience traveling independently, but I learned quickly.
From using public transport to improving your intercultural communication skills, you’ll become more independent as you navigate new places entirely on your own.
I can certainly say that I’ve grown as a person and will continue to grow this upcoming semester.
2. Gain career experience
Pursuing an internship while you study abroad can be a great way to boost your resume and learn about the job market in a foreign country.
I gained valuable experience during a past internship abroad, and I plan to intern again this upcoming semester.
Once I was able to master the work environment in the Czech Republic, networking and pursuing jobs at Penn State felt much easier.
3. Learn a new language
Making an attempt at learning the language of the country you study in is a great way to bond with locals and better understand the culture.
When I began my first study abroad experience, I didn’t know a single word of Czech, but I made an effort to learn some basic “survival” words and phrases so I could communicate basic needs such as asking for directions or ordering at a restaurant.
Although I found Czech to be a challenging language to pick up, I was happy to at least make an effort.
I found the locals viewed me with more respect during my internship and everyday interactions if I introduced myself in Czech — even if I couldn’t hold a conversation.
However, this semester, I’m going abroad to Buenos Aires with the primary goal of learning Spanish and increasing my fluency.
4. Try delicious new foods
One of my favorite parts of studying abroad is having the opportunity to explore new cuisines.
Trying new foods in the city you’re studying in isn’t only fun, but it also gives you the opportunity to learn more about different cultures.
When I studied abroad in the Czech Republic I tried so many new foods like smažený sýr, Hermelín cheese and Svíčková.
However, my favorite food experience was getting to learn my friend’s family recipe for gnocchi when I visited her grandparents’ house in Croatia.
5. Make new friends
Traveling to new countries, navigating foreign public transportation systems and stepping outside your comfort zone with new activities is a great way to bond with others.
I met some of my closest friends during my study abroad, and I’m hopeful we’ll remain friends forever.
My grandmother became best friends with a Japanese exchange student who was studying abroad at her high school 58 years ago. Although they have not seen each other since high school, they’re still best friends and send each other letters every month.
If you decide to study abroad, there’s no doubt you’ll end your experience with new friendships that will last a lifetime.
6. It’s fun
I had so much fun during the semester I spent abroad in the Czech Republic, which is why I decided to study abroad again — this time in Argentina.
If you’ve read this far and are still thinking you want to study abroad, go for it. It’s going to be one of the best experiences you’ll have at Penn State.
MORE COLUMNS
In the heart of winter, as temperatures plummet and the year draws to a close, it’s a time f…