Study Abroad--Why Study Abroad?

WHY STUDY ABROAD?

Glimpse Magazine is an online and print resource that promotes cross-cultural understanding and exchange. There are articles, forums, and photo essays by young adults living and studying abroad. Reading about study abroad experiences by students like yourself may help you decide if it is the right experience for you during your college years. "It's Your World. Get Acquainted."

Below you will find what some Amherst students returning from studying abroad had to say about the many values inherent in living and learning overseas.  While many individual student differences can be seen in these reflections, the overwhelming consensus is that that studying abroad is an invaluable experience which can enrich and diversify any student’s degree studies, global comprehension, and career preparation.

Some Answers From Recent Returnees (Fall 2005):

Allison Canton (Spanish), COPA/IFSA-Butler, Buenos Aires, Argentina: 
Studying abroad made a huge impact on my life.  I needed to get away from the US and Amherst to figure out what I wanted to do with my life and not what everyone expected me to do.  Argentine culture is really go with the flow, which I definitely wasn't before I studied abroad.  You can't make concrete plans in advance down here because something will probably break down or the workers will go on strike, or there will be some problem.  Argentina forced me to slow down and to appreciate the present.  Argentina also helped me understand the effects of US foreign and economic policy on other, developing countries.  Even if you decide not to go to Argentina, you should definitely go abroad if you have the opportunity to do so.

Matthew Bires (Spanish, Economics) COPA-IFSA-Butler, Buenos Aires, Argentina:
The biggest thing I feel I gained studying abroad was a true sense of independence that I don't feel one can't get living at Amherst.  Living essentially by myself, 5000 miles away from any family or relatives, in a city of 16 million people, really made me self-sufficient and independent and that's something I value a great deal.  This independence really gave me a sense of confidence that if I could do that, I could do anything.

Marcie Rome (Anthropology), COPA-IFSA-Butler, Santiago, Chile:
My experience abroad made me appreciate the community that exists at Amherst but at the same time realize that there is a lot more out there. I feel refreshed academically, since the coursework was less challenging than the Amherst course load. The traveling I did in South America really strengthened my interest in anthropology, which is my major and made me really want to work at maintaining the level of Spanish that I can now speak. I've realized that being bilingual is a huge advantage and hopefully that will help me quite a bit down the road. It was also amazing to get an outside perspective on America and see how we are really seen in the rest of the world. The first hand perspective of Latin American politics and society was also amazing and provides a helpful background in understanding current events and relations with the United States. The decision to study abroad was probably the best decision I've made so far in my time at Amherst.

Alex Rodriguez (Music), COPA-IFSA-Butler, Santiago, Chile:
Perfect for me, because it gave me the flexibility I needed to focus on music, improve my Spanish (I have no qualms about saying that I am a fluent speaker now, as I did before), and see more of the world.  I've made some fantastic musician friends here and in Argentina (and one in Bolivia, even), and my scope of the world is so much bigger, I am very grateful for that.  I'm returning to Amherst newly focused and with a better perspective on the kind of education I want to get out of it.  Plus, I'm a much better trombonist.

Caitlin Rhodes (Asian Languages), IES, Beijing, China:
I never expected how profound an impact my study abroad experience would have on my personal life philosophies and even the way I view my own home country.  Living abroad for six months gave me enough distance to view the United States from a new perspective, as well as imbued me with a renewed vigor to study (and hopefully one day, master) Chinese. I am thrilled to return to China this next summer and after I graduate. I seek to combine my two passions, tennis and Chinese, with my interest in writing, working for a professional tournament or perhaps even the Olympics.

Debby Goan (Asian Languages), IES, Beijing, China:
I think it was a wonderful experience to simply be on my own for a semester. I gained a lot of confidence in my own ability simply explore. I do not feel that a semester is adequate and I really wished that I had taken more time in the beginning of the semester to explore Beijing. My time abroad was simply not enough and I look forward to traveling China and seeing more of it. Not only did I travel to China, but afterwards, I went to Hong Kong where I saw WTO protests right on the streets and then to Taiwan. There is much to be said for the rapid progress and rebuilding of Beijing, and much to be said of the dire poverty and suffering of the Native Tibetans and their culture. I suppose then, that studying abroad has only whetted my appetite and I look forward to returning!

Tina Bao (Asian Languages), CIEE, Shanghi, China:
Studying abroad is honestly one of the best decisions I have ever made. The people you meet and the culture you adopt all make studying abroad worthwhile. It's great to live in another part of the world, and I now have a greater appreciation for my ASLC major. I have seen how important it is to speak both Mandarin and English - to act as a bridge between East and West - and it is exciting to know that after living for 4 months in China, I am ready to do it long-term in the future. Shanghai has given me a more global outlook and broadened my horizons for upcoming job searches. In the future, I do not want to limit myself to work in the US. Living in a foreign country also allowed me to really soak in how the other part of the world views America. A semester in Shanghai has taught me that it is relatively easy to assimilate into a different culture. Living in a foreign country also offers a fascinating opportunity to mature and grow.

Christianna Bonin (Psychology), CIEE-Prague:
It has undoubtedly had a life-changing effect.  I have traveled to several art museums that apply to my particular field of interest and am seriously considering writing a thesis on this topic.  Based on my exploration of other cultures, I hope to take up German upon returning to Amherst.  I can't wait to get back to Europe...for the summer...for grad school...as soon as possible!

Elizabeth Wise (Economics), IFSA-Butler, University College, London:
Studying abroad was the best decision I ever made.  I had the best four months of my life while in London, and I can't imagine my college experience without it.  While I enjoyed UCL greatly, I definitely learned to appreciate Amherst as a whole and its academic and residential services.  However, I've realized how much learning there is to be gained beyond the classroom.  I've gained a much more global perspective on things and now look at American culture in a very different way and have a better understanding of foreign views of Americans.  I never imagined myself wanting to live abroad after I graduate college, but now I am revolving my career plans around trying to live in London for a couple years, if not more.  It is truly a once in a lifetime experience to live in another country and travel, etc.  Had I had even the faintest idea of the experience, I would have never hesitated studying abroad for a second.  My only regret is that I can't do it again.

Aisha James (French), Sweet Briar, Paris, France:
Studying Abroad was a great experience and has greatly influenced my life in many ways. I loved living and studying in new place completely different from my home. I was never bored while in France; there was so much to do and learn. Not only did I learn to appreciate the French culture and university system but I realized what a great education and social experience I am receiving at Amherst. After studying abroad I've realized that I definitely want to continue traveling after college and would like to live abroad for a certain period of time as well. Overall I think the greatest thing I have learned from this experience is how to be independent and take advantage of all the opportunities around me.

Rachael Lewis (Religion), Swarthmore, Grenoble, France:
My time abroad was one of the most educational experiences I have ever had.  I learned things that cannot be taught in a classroom and that cannot be taught anywhere in the United States.  My semester abroad was also one of the greatest challenges I have every faced and it made me stronger.  I learned how to be independent in a way that I didn't think was possible before I left.  More specifically it gave me confidence in terms of traveling, language proficiency, and emotionally.  In addition, as a political science and religion double major, I learned intensely about the French political system and was able to open my eyes to a more global political consciousness.  The lessons I learned while in France will influence my career choice and certainly the way I look at the world.  I believe that I learned these lessons by simply living in a country different from my own and the program itself was merely a guide to help me navigate the unknown.

Christopher Burnor (Physics) Duke, Berlin, Germany:
The architecture and econ class were both really interesting for me and I am actually strongly considering careers in one of those fields.  The architecture class particularly influenced me since I was not even thinking of architecture as a career for me before studying it in Berlin.  The program also really helped me in becoming a global citizen and broadening my experiences, which was one of my primary intentions in going to study in Germany.

Miriam Rubin (Theatre and Dance), Ben Gurion, Israel:
The total experience of studying abroad has led me to focus my academic and career goals.  Returning, I feel the motivation to immerse myself more fully in the academic experience of Amherst, because my curiosity about people and language and travel has been fulfilled (temporarily).  I made connections with professionals in the career field in which I'm interested and learned about M.A. studies and the job market for that field in Israel.  Because Israel has long been a potential place for me to establish my future - due to spiritual and political convictions - I now have more information on how realistic and right for me a life in Israel would be, as well as strong interpersonal connections and language skills.  I imagine that having viewed the U.S. and other nations from foreign soil, will continue to enrich my understanding of and experiences in the world.

Caroline Polales (Psychology),Trinity-Rome, Italy:
I've learned a lot about myself on this program, and I think that will help give me more focus in choosing classes and direction in what I plan to do after college.  I have definitely experienced a culture vastly different from my own, and it was an incredible experience.  Unfortunately, I think had I spent more time choosing a program I could've made a better selection, and that opinion has been echoed by many of my friends here.  It's also really made me appreciate the quality of education I'm getting at Amherst, and made me realize how much I love the college and the people there.  If anything, I'd say that I will take much less for granted when I return home, and hope to make it back here again one day.

Dana Kuper (Economics) IES-Rome, Italy:
If anything, I think this abroad experience gives you exposure to a different student body, culture, and lifestyle from that which you find at Amherst or in the US.   I had some perception of the Italian culture, but I couldn't truly appreciate the positives sides of it (or become fully aware of the aspects I liked more about US culture) until I had the opportunity to live it.  Educationally, I think studying abroad is one of the best ways to become a more well rounded individual- increasing global comprehension and knowledge.  If you feel a little trapped in the 'Amherst bubble,' studying abroad helps alleviate this problem. 

Lauren Dudley (Psychology), NYU-Florence, Italy:
I think having gone abroad and having taken the classes that I took while abroad will impact my Amherst education in that I am interested in a wide range of subject matters now that I was not interested in before.  Being abroad did not really impact my career plans, but it definitely altered my global perspective.  It is really difficult to have a truly global perspective when living in the United States.  Being over in Italy really opened my eyes.  When there, I grew much more conscious about the cost of electricity and gas.  America's consumption and excess problems became very clear to me.

Emily Kennedy (Art) Syracuse-Florence, Italy: 
My interest in art has been infused with a passion that I had not yet realized before going abroad, and this will undoubtedly influence how I choose and approach my courses once I return to Amherst.  I also feel quite simply like I have a different level of energy and enthusiasm since I've been back.  It's hard, I think, to see something as magnificent as the Florence cathedral, or the David and Michelangelo's dying slave sculptures, or to discover that in Venice, the buildings really do just emerge from the sea, and that in Rome, the Pantheon really is unspeakably massive and then to feel, amongst ruins, how ancient our world really is, and not return with a new understanding of how beautiful the world is and can be.  It's too soon for me to say how my experience will help my career plans - I only know now that I want to see more of our world - to hear more languages, discover its landscapes, food, art and architecture...and to somehow, eventually, be part it all in a creative way.     

Marco Locasio (Economics), IFSA-Butler, U-Otago, New Zealand:
When I left Amherst after my sophomore year I was feeling confused, frustrated, and generally anxious. Being abroad helped me to move beyond those feelings, and I am sure that my remaining semesters at Amherst will be more fruitful than they otherwise might have been. I saw some really amazing places, met some great people, and also allowed myself a semester to relax and explore the things in my life that have often been dominated by the insular academic and social scene at Amherst. I feel much more capable and mature for the experience, and know that the traveling will pay dividends on later trips. Overall, New Zealand is a fabulous country to get to know over the course of a few months, which makes it such an ideal place for study abroad. I will caution, though, that I don't think I have any more clarity now on my career plans and such than when I left. Instead, my attitude about the ambiguity has changed. Still, going abroad is not going to solve the problems and difficulties you leave back home, no matter where you go.

Alexxander Campbell (Anthropology) Pro-Peru, Peru:
Living in a "3rd World" country is definitely a thing I am glad I got the opportunity to do.  Things are pretty different (although some things are quite similar) in Cusco from the U.S. and from Amherst.  So having that experience in my life has changed the way I will look at Amherst.   Also, one really interesting thing about the program is that the academics were really easy, and so it gave me time to explore other parts of life.  While at Amherst, you are too busy to actually get to know your fellow students, in Cusco I was able to connect with people really deeply and make amazing friendships, plus get to know the city where I was living (I know Cusco better than I know the town of Amherst, that's for sure).  This impacted my personal life more than anything.
  The program in general gave me a really good perspective on my personal life at Amherst, and I think I will change a lot of things in that respect when I go back.  Academically the program was nothing special at all... it was more like a slight break from real academics.  But now I have a new perspective on life, and I also am really interested in Latin America and speaking Spanish.  It was all very much worth it.

Altaf Rahamatulla (Spanish) IFSA-Butler, Malaga, Spain:
I am extremely grateful that I had the opportunity to study abroad.  I was not going to study in Spain, and almost lost my opportunity to do so (due to various factors, I could not study my junior year and petitioned to study abroad first semester year).  However, I feel the experience is so important, and has an impact on not only my academic career, but on my character as well.  Studying abroad allows you to become more mature and more aware of yourself and the world.  You have the chance to see first hand how different other cultures actually are and how people interact in other parts of the world.  During my time abroad, I refined my thoughts on postgraduate work and have a better idea of what I want to do following graduation.  It was a process of maturation and allowed me the chance to visualize what I really wanted out of my academic experience.

Karti  Subramanian (Economics, Mathematics) Sweet Briar, Seville, Spain:
You have so much fun, learn so much about yourself and what you need to be happy, and meet many people who have a strong impact on you.  That in itself changes a lot about a person, I think.  Talking to people who have completely different backgrounds and upbringings than you is also a pretty powerful experience, one that might change the way you see yourself or your home country.  Do it...

Margaret Roth, (Spanish) Sweet Briar, Seville, Spain:
Seville is, in my opinion, the absolute perfect place to study abroad.  The weather is fantastic, the people are fantastic, the prices are fantastic.  The city is small enough to get around easily, but big enough not to feel closed in or bored.  If anything, living in Seville has taught me to slow down my life and enjoy it a little more.  At Amherst, it's easy to get caught up in things - grades, careers, internships, etc.  After studying abroad, I've realized that I have so many opportunities and so much time to do whatever I want.  I also think I may want to teach English in some other country - Latin America, or maybe back in Seville - after I graduate, because I love Spanish and I love living in foreign countries and meeting new people.  But, what I can't stress enough is how amazing Seville is and how incredibly warm and open the Sevillianos are!  Go to Seville!

Ahrielle Cook (Spanish, English) Hamilton College-Madrid, Spain:
Being abroad gave me the perspective to know that Amherst is just the starting block for my education and my world knowledge. I matured more in the last semester than the past two years at Amherst. Also, becoming proficient in a second language is an invaluable life skill, and makes me a more marketable job candidate. I would recommend going abroad to every student on campus.

Stephen Williams (Economics) IFSA-Butler, University of New South Wales, Australia:
I think my study abroad experience will impact my Amherst education as I feel much more knowledge and enlighten and will bring a more worldly view to the table. I think it will affect my career plans because I now have a passion for travel and would definitely consider working abroad. I think studying abroad in Australia really enhanced my global comprehension because the population is full of such an array of foreigners, so you are able to experience much more than just Australia and really see cultures interact.