2008 Woodie Awards
Studying abroad important, overlooked
Letter to the editor
Issue date: 3/19/08 Section: Opinion
The absence of articles regarding the significance of studying abroad is disappointing. When I graduated from college I moved to Japan to teach. My time there taught me that if we take educational risks our lives can be enriched beyond measure. I also found that we as Americans generally know little of what's going beyond our borders. With the apparent downward spiral of the U.S. economy and the rapid globalization of our world, it's imperative we step up to the challenge and educate ourselves outside of the textbooks. As much as we'd like to think otherwise, employers won't be knocking down our doors offering us jobs. In reality, without global knowledge and experiences it's hard for anyone to thrive, let alone stand out from the crowd. Now is the time for college students to make themselves stand out!
According to the 2007 Open Doors report furnished by the Institute of International Education, in 2005-06 there were over 14.5 million students enrolled in U.S. institutions of higher education, of which 564,766 were foreign students. That same year, only 223,534 American students studied abroad. It's obvious that our foreign peers don't take their college years for granted; neither should we. Settling for "business as usual" isn't an option, nor will it equip us with the tools to successfully compete in the global marketplace.
To study abroad, students should first speak with their academic advisor to map out a plan and weigh their options. At the very least, take the time to speak with the foreign students on campus or attend events held by foreign clubs in the area.
As we bask in the freedoms afforded to us by our college years, I challenge you to step it up and see the world through a different lens - you'd be remiss not to!
J. Renay Looper
Coatesville, Penn.
According to the 2007 Open Doors report furnished by the Institute of International Education, in 2005-06 there were over 14.5 million students enrolled in U.S. institutions of higher education, of which 564,766 were foreign students. That same year, only 223,534 American students studied abroad. It's obvious that our foreign peers don't take their college years for granted; neither should we. Settling for "business as usual" isn't an option, nor will it equip us with the tools to successfully compete in the global marketplace.
To study abroad, students should first speak with their academic advisor to map out a plan and weigh their options. At the very least, take the time to speak with the foreign students on campus or attend events held by foreign clubs in the area.
As we bask in the freedoms afforded to us by our college years, I challenge you to step it up and see the world through a different lens - you'd be remiss not to!
J. Renay Looper
Coatesville, Penn.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Zoey
Zoey
posted 3/19/08 @ 5:02 PM CST
I could not agree with you more. As a European now living in the USA and having studied abroad across Europe a great deal, I feel that part of the problem is simply that a year abroad has never been a traditional part of the curriculum in the same way that is is in Europe. (Continued…)
angelskiss2007
Kendra
posted 3/26/08 @ 7:36 AM CST
I agree whole heartedly. I have traveled to France once before, and I am so eager to return, but the financial strain on a student who is supporting him/herself is typically the reason for overlooking such fantastic options. (Continued…)
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