Traveling far and wide in order to study in the midst of a different culture dates back to the beginning of craftsmen. Over time, students have crossed oceans to learn about art, science, math and medicine in other parts of the globe. The benefits of such travel are vast:
1. Expanded horizons lead to personal growth for college students. Meeting people with vastly different backgrounds from yours will stretch your ability to understand and tolerate differing views and beliefs. Relationships built during foreign study tend to last lifetimes and leave doors open for future experiences. Your world view will broaden, and as a result, so will your independence and maturity.
2. It is a training ground for intercultural development. Over 98% of respondents to one survey report that their time abroad helped them to see their own values and biases more clearly and evaluate them from a broader perspective. Future global leaders sometimes start their journey to understanding as students studying on foreign soil. Students represent the face of America to a generation of their peers and have the opportunity to open doors of communication everywhere they go.