Going Abroad

Should I go abroad?

Should I get out of here for a semester?

Won't I get homesick?

What if it's weird?

How will I survive for a whole semester with NO ONE I know?

These are all the typical questions that people ask themselves when deciding if they want to spend a semester abroad or not...

Yes, going abroad is a BIG DEAL, but it's such a great opportunity to explore other cultures, other people, and most of all have the time of your life.

When will you ever get the chance to go somewhere for fifteen weeks, and have almost nothing to worry about?

So, let me make a case of why you should go abroad during your college career.

Going abroad....

1. is all about learning who you are.
By putting yourself in an abroad situation you are going to learn how you deal with different cultures, missing home, and more about your likes and dislikes.

2. is a chance to explore the world.
Traveling from country to country in Europe is way cheaper than traveling in the United States. Imagine jumping on a train when you are in Venice and ending up in Amsterdam a few hours later. You can hear different languages, see different sights, taste new foods, smell different cities, and touch all the different streets in different cities! Going abroad puts your five senses in a whole new light..

3. is a way to meet new people.
When you go abroad you will meet students from different parts of the United States, natives of the country, students studying abroad from different countries and many other travelers. The amount of people you meet will amaze you, and build a worldwide network of friends, especially with the worldwide craze of Facebook.

4. is great if you want to learn (or polish) a different language.
For students who are majoring in a different language, studying abroad is a must. Many people have told me the only true way to become a true bilingual speaker is to live and learn from natives. For students who are interested in picking up some conversational language skills in another country, going abroad gives you the opportunity to do that as well. If you live somewhere for fifteen years there's a good chance you will be needing a few phrases and words.

5. makes you more knowledgeable about world affairs and politics.
Students come back over to the United States knowing far more about the world when they left. Hearing different opinions and viewpoints about politics, world affairs, and domestic issues helps broaden your horizons.

and finally...

6. will change how you think about your life.
You may have never wanted to study abroad until college, but now that you have the opportunity it could change what you want to do when you graduate, or maybe it will make you realize that you want to live abroad.

So...take advantage of your Study Abroad program. Brockport Study Abroad is a great program, and is one of the best in the SUNY system. We have programs on every continent. The people in the office will be inviting, make you feel comfortable, and help you every step of the way. From picking a program, to figuring out how many credits you will get, to arranging your financial aid - they are there for you.

If you aren't interested in going for a whole semester EF College Break tours offers shorter programs. They have trips during the Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer semesters. These are "touristy" programs, but they allow to you go abroad while traveling in a group, and having a set itinerary. Check out their website if you are interested!

Get out there! Travel the world, meet new world, try new things, and find out who you are!