02/02/2015
Study Abroad
Explore. Learn. Understand
Today, the other side of the planet is just a click away. But nothing can replace the sights, sounds, scents, and energy of a live, personal experience. Now’s the time to go out into the world, and seize the opportunity to learn everything possible.
Why Study Abroad?
To become a "Global Citizen" in today's interconnected world
Now, more than ever, our world is interconnected. To be successful — personally, intellectually, and professionally — you must become a "global citizen," skilled at interacting in and between multiple cultures and capable of analyzing issues on a global level.
As Colin Powell's statement above suggests, getting an international education — in other words, studying abroad — is one of the best ways for students to build global competence.
The experience can help you:
Develop new perspectives on academic subjects and real-world issues
Study abroad lets you study a variety of subjects in more depth and from different cultural perspectives. Outside the classroom, your personal education is enhanced through daily interactions in the foreign culture with host families or housemates and others in the community.
Achieve proficiency in a foreign language
While you can learn grammar and vocabulary at Northwestern, it is impossible to become truly proficient in a foreign language without using it in a real-world setting. A non-English-speaking country is the ultimate "language classroom."
Experience personal growth
Study abroad is a challenging adventure, academically and personally. Students who return from abroad consistently report that they developed a greater sense of independence and confidence in their capabilities.
Develop valuable career skills
Students who study abroad often develop career skills that make them especially marketable, including:
Critical thinking and problem solving
Independence and self confidence
Teamwork and communication
Motivation and leadership
Flexibility and adaptability
Creativity
An expanded world view and multicultural perspective
Today's competitive job market
In today's global economy, study abroad can be a defining element to every student's undergraduate degree. Many companies increasingly desire leaders with the ability to live successfully in a variety of countries and work with people of various cultural backgrounds. Study abroad can provide the structure for students to build these skills and give them an edge over the competition. The distinction of having studied in a foreign country for a session, semester, or year can be invaluable to your student's future career in today's competitive job market.
Independence
During a student's time abroad, he/she will undoubtedly encounter unexpected situations that will allow them to develop self-sufficiency and independence. The more times your student successfully navigates such situations, the more confident they will become in their ability to fend for themselves. Opportunities to take weekend trips to different cities, traveling before or after the program, and even daily life will teach valuable lessons. By the end of the program, most families notice a definite change in how independent and responsible their student has become.
It is also important for students to learn what it means to be a member of their native culture. They may find themselves challenging their own long-held beliefs. They will discover many surprising differences and similarities between their native culture and that of the program site. Students should be prepared to encounter questions or criticism of their personal identity, and consider what their response will be.
