From experiencing different cultures to learning new languages, studying abroad has tons of benefits that can influence the rest of your life. The current political situation amidst the recent election can also dissuade students from attending university within the United States. Studying abroad is also a great way to participate in different forms of government and politics in other countries. Additionally, studying abroad can even be cheaper and more cost-efficient than attending in-state colleges. Overall, going to university abroad is an amazing opportunity that all students should consider, because of the personal and academic growth it offers, as well as the chance to gain a wider global perspective and open doors to future career opportunities.
One of the most compelling reasons to study abroad is the opportunity to experience a unique and diverse culture firsthand. Students can visit regions of the world they wish to explore, engage in culinary experiences that intrigue them, and immerse themselves in the cultural and societal practices of the country they’re in. “I want to apply to college internationally because of the diverse, rich experiences to be gained in foreign countries. Attending college internationally seems like a great way to broaden my horizons by exiting my comfort zone and meeting new people,” Michael Banks, a BHS sophomore, said. Many high school students across the country have similar ideas. According to a 2023 Terra Dotta survey, 57 percent of high school students in the U.S. expressed a strong interest in studying abroad.
For young adults, the cost of higher education is often a critical factor when choosing a university. The rising tuition rates at American colleges have pushed many students to look abroad, where options can be surprisingly affordable. Many international universities offer low-cost or even tuition-free programs, along with more affordable off-campus housing options.
With low-cost programs and off-campus housing, students can find that studying abroad is much cheaper than attending an American university. “Cost is a big factor in where I want to go to college. If attending college internationally is cheaper, I’m all for it. Expensive tuition can make students accrue debt, and going into a lot of debt can really set you back for the future,” Banks said. In a 2013 American Student Association (ASA) report, 30 percent of those surveyed said that their student debt was the deciding factor in their career choices. By choosing to study abroad, students may be able to avoid this financial burden entirely.
Furthermore, studying abroad can be a way to experience a new forms of government and politics. For students who are discontented or fearful of the new U.S. leadership, studying abroad is a wonderful option to escape life under the law of a politician they dislike. Experiencing large differences in politics can broaden a student’s view of the world, and expose them to different forms of governance, social structures, and ideologies, creating a better understanding of global issues, and encouraging critical thinking about their own political beliefs and values.
Some may argue that studying abroad creates safety concerns or discomfort for students, especially when a student doesn’t speak the national language of the country while others may point to common problems such as student’s health insurance not extending to the country in which they are residing. Nevertheless, these common problems often have simple solutions. There are many health insurance plans for countries where students might study, that work just as well as U.S. insurance plans and are often cheaper or even sponsored by the university. Some might claim that international college is too big of a commitment for a high school student. That being said, studying abroad is a choice that all students have. If students are uncomfortable throwing themselves out into a space where they might not know the language or customs, they do not have to apply. However, if a student is interested in exiting their comfort zone and trying new things, they should be
encouraged to look into studying abroad. Additionally, if students don't want to commit to studying abroad for all four years of college, many universities across the country offer study abroad programs in which students can live at a partner university's campus.
Ultimately, studying abroad offers valuable experiences that can heavily impact a student’s personal, academic, and professional lives. It allows students to immerse themselves in different cultures, learn new languages, and explore global politics. With potential financial benefits and the chance to broaden one’s world view, studying abroad is a powerful experience for young adults looking to travel to new places. Because of this, more high school students should be encouraged to consider this transformative opportunity and choose to study abroad for their studies after high school.