1. You will gain new perspectives.

More than ever before we live in a globalized society, so it’s important to develop an inclusive worldview. Whether you’re studying science or literature or politics, being able to think from a multinational perspective will help you face modern challenges and come up with creative solutions. As you learn to view the world through different lenses, you’ll also learn new things about your own country and culture.

2. You will become more independent.

You will be in a completely new environment without the comfort of your parents or your best friends to help you every day. This forces you to take matters into your own hands and create your own experiences. Independence is crucial for adulthood, so facing it in college will get you a long way.

3. You will become immersed in another culture.

Rather than visiting a new country as you would for vacation, you will be living in it. Living in a new place for a few months will make you feel like you are becoming part of a new community, not just visiting one.

4. Your resume will improve.

Graduate schools and employers love to see that you have studied abroad. This shows that you are able to challenge yourself, that you are willing to go outside of your comfort zone, and that you are capable of being independent.

5. You could learn a new language.

Maybe your classes are in English, maybe not. Regardless, studies have shown that the number-one way to learn a language is immersion. Studying abroad will improve your foreign language skills, whether you are aware of it or not.

6. You will make lifelong friends.

Studying abroad is a time where you start over in a completely new setting. Experiencing this with peers in a similar situation offers a strong foundation for bonding and spending quality together. The memories you create will also last a lifetime!

7. You will grow personally.

Studying abroad creates a powerful sense of independence and maturity. It is important to embrace that freedom, because you will learn more about yourself than you ever thought you could. This is a central feature of studying abroad—doing something exciting but a little bit scary, experiencing the downs with the ups, and coming through a stronger, more confident, and more culturally-aware person.

8. You will discover new interests.

In addition to university classes abroad, you can explore new hobbies or sports that aren’t as popular (or even possible) to learn in the US. Being engrossed in a culture other than your own inevitably leads to the discovery of new interests.

9. You will see the world.

Studying abroad is among the most effective and accessible means for students to exerience and study new cultures, languages, environments, and educational system. Study abroad teaches you to appreciate and learn from diversity in new ways and enables you to recognize and unpack the stereotypes you might have had about people you had never met.

—Sally Thoreson, CGIS Marketing Assistant