The College Voice

Nowadays companies are looking for diversity. They want employees with an open mind and a broad world view. Thus, travelling abroad is seen as a plus. However getting a good job should not be the only reason to study abroad. The advantages go beyond the job market.

According to the Institute of International Education (IIE), "all students should study outside the United States, in both a developed and developing country, so as to gain the necessary global perspective and mindset essential in today's global business." Many students believe that travelling abroad can bring only job opportunities and that it's the only motivation to to go to another country. "I want to go to Europe so I can have an abroad experience. It will be good for my resume," says Alice Dantas, a sophomore International Business major at TCNJ.

Studying in another country can bring job opportunities, yes, but more importantly, it can broaden your horizons, by exposing you to another language, culture and history. It is an improvement of self. The entire experience abroad can change your life. The benefits go beyond marketability. It can indellibly change you, leading to greater independence and fearlessness. Further it can change the way you see other cultures and how you relate to people with different perspectives.

I am an international student at Mercer, and I came to the United States to learn English and learn about American culture, so I could teach the language in a private school back in Brazil. Now I realize that I have gained much more than fluency. I have learned how to adapt in a different culture, to fit into the American's habit and way of life. Before I got here, I studied English for four years, and I thought I knew it. But my own experience showed me the only way to truly learn a language is relying on it.

In addition to learning the language, I've grown personally because of exposure to a diverse popuation. I've found this especially rewarding. Here, in America, I have met many different people: Americans, Europeans, Africans, Middle Eastern people, and Asians, to name a few.

I have learned a lot from my expanded group of international friends. I can ask my German friend about the Berlin Wall, or ask my Israeli friend her view of the Palestinian- Israeli Conflict. It is really interesting to hear from someone who lived the history; and, often their perspectives are unlike those shown on TV.

Most importantly, I am a much stronger individual because I've studied abroad. I believe that if I can make it here by myself, without knowing anybody, and speaking poor English, I can do anything I want. Now, after three years living in America, I am well-adapted to the culture; I can say I have a normal life.

Amazingly, regardless of students' goals are for studying abroad, most of the time they achieve more than they had expected. "When I decided to study in Europe, I thought it would be good for me to learn about the 'Old World', but I gained much more than that; I am more tolerant and confident now" says Janice Kuntz, 25, from Newark, NJ. Giselle Pereira a student from Brazil who spent one year in the Netherlands, said "the magnificence of spending a year in Europe is that you can travel to many different countries due the fact they are very close to each other."

Independence, self-growth, overcoming difficult and unexpected situations, and respecting and learning how to deal with different cultures are all challenges that one learns to overcome by studying abroad. Studying in a foreign country is a continuous learning process. You learn while walking the streets, talking to people, or going to historical sites. Clearly, there is much more to gain than just a job.

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