Pros and Cons of Studying Abroad

With many recent high school graduates from Spring Valley preparing to head off to college (or already on their way), now is the time to think about what's in store.

Beside the obvious things to look forward to, such as a greater level of independence, college is also a time to take advantage of opportunities. One opportunity that you may want to take advantage of is the option to study abroad. These trips usually last for a semester, but they can extend from a few weeks to a year (or even longer). Here are some pros and cons to help you make the decision.

Pros

• Getting to live abroad

One of the best benefits of studying abroad during college is the opportunity to live abroad. This is probably the easiest opportunity for most people to ever have the chance to live abroad. Once you graduate and start your career and start a family, it will become more difficult to get up and live abroad for prolonged periods of time.

• Greater independence and self-reliance

When you are living in another country, you develop a greater level of independence. You have to navigate a new place and adapt to a new culture on your own. While there will definitely be rough patches, you will undoubtedly come out more independent and stronger, which are good skills to have and will influence you long after your study abroad stint ends.

• Cultural experiences

Living in another country will allow you to immerse yourself in another culture, and learn about new customs. Perhaps you will even have the opportunity to learn a new language in a native environment. These skills will also be beneficial for years to come.

• Friendships/Relationships

The friendships that you make abroad are perhaps the highlight of any study abroad experience. These friendships, whether with locals or other Americans, will be an important part of your experience because you will share the experience together. If you live in a home-stay, you will get to experience being a part of a family, which can be a very fulfilling experience. You may also meet someone special and start a relationship. Who knows, you may even fall in love!

Cons

• Away from home and familiarity

Some people thrive in new environments, while others cave. Living in a new country will test your limits. You will be away from familiarity. You will be confronted with new foods, with new ways of living and new customs, with new people, and perhaps with language barriers. This can be very stressful, and even the most ardent study abroad students will be tested. This can be all the more difficult because you will not be surrounded by many of your friends and your family members to lean on when times get tough. Some can hang. Others can't.

• Culture shock (and reverse culture shock)

Similar to the first con, you will experience culture shock. You will have to navigate through this in your own way. Ways of living may be remarkably different than they are where you are from, and you will have to adapt.

Costs

This depends on where you study abroad. Some study abroad options may be cheaper than remaining in your home location. On the other hand, many study abroad options may be expensive. You will have to weigh the costs of the opportunity to see if you think the experience is worth the possible financial burden.