Study Abroad: More than a Vacation

I studied abroad in Spain this past summer with the notion that there would be no homework. Why I thought this, I don't know. I was on summer mode, and I have never once taken a class, let alone done homework, in summer. Also, I didn't think of myself as really being in school. I was in a foreign country, making new friends, and everything was new. There was too much to see and too little time to think about academics. But after I started developing relationships with my peers, the professors, and the coordinators of my study abroad program, I realized that I was establishing contacts with people that might be useful in my career. Then I started focusing a little more on my purpose for studying abroad.

Even though many people think of "studying" abroad as nothing more than travelling, I have to admit that studying abroad was not a vacation. Many people have internships abroad, or study another language with professors that don't speak the students' native language. Don't get me wrong, this experience was challenging in a completely beneficial and fulfilling way, but I think students need to know that most study abroad programs are not a cake walk. You have to attend classes regularly, as most of your grade depends on class participation, and since, in my opinion, temptation to not go to class and not do homework is a bit more prominent while studying abroad, you really have to prioritize.

My Spanish professor did not speak any English. Yes, that was extremely intimidating at the beginning of my program, but I knew I needed to delve in. No professor in any country teaching any language expects the study abroad students to be perfect. Why would students be studying if they already had the subject, language, and culture down pat? Conversations you can have with professors and program directors about the language, culture, and prospective career opportunities will really help you develop contacts within that country if you potentially choose to work there.

And then there is the "vacation" part of studying abroad, which I think is the travelling aspect of it. I studied in Spain, but I travelled to many different countries and met many different people last summer. I made a friend in my study abroad program who travelled with me, and so not only did I make contacts with people I interacted with in other countries, but people who live not far from me in the U.S. No matter what your focus is when you study abroad, you're only benefitting yourself! You make friends, learn about different cultures, and boost your resume potential by having this experience. Even though you still need to work hard, and you should to get the most out of your time abroad, it is a fun opportunity in a challenging way. Yes, studying abroad is more than a vacation, but if you do it right, you'll learn a lot about yourself!