Why Study Abroad?

A small group of women from Philadelphia were among the nation's first college students to study abroad. They boarded ship in New York and set sail for Europe in the summer of 1948 to study the economic effects of World War II. They bicycled from England to Belgium to France over bombed out roads and stayed in hostels on a budget of $2 a day.

By the next summer, conditions began to improve, and the Arcadia University faculty leaders added art history to the curriculum and replaced the bicycles with buses. Today, Arcadia sends more than 3,000 students a year overseas, and Congress is considering a measure that would set a national goal of 1 million students a year studying abroad.

The lessons those first students learned while experiencing another culture firsthand are more relevant than ever in a rapidly changing global economy, and increasing numbers of college students are studying abroad as an integral core component of their education.

What Value Does it Add?

It's about being there: Some colleges have replaced required courses in multiculturalism with a required cross-cultural experience and reflective component. A national survey of student engagement portrays study abroad as one of several activities that promote "deep learning."

The learning curve for students who study in another country goes up exponentially. In addition to learning subject material in the classroom, their extracurricular lessons include independent living, self-discovery, cross-cultural connections, language immersion and more.

To Britney or not to Britney: "Stepping into another country's panorama of culture and history can bring your own picture into sharper focus," says Kristen Shima, now a junior at Arcadia. She found time for introspection on Arcadia's Spain Preview her freshman year. Somewhere between the small walled village of Pedraza and the bright lights of Madrid, she discovered that Britney Spears pop culture and "loud and gregarious and friendly Americans" had their place. "Perhaps this is something I should have figured out a while ago, but because I had to adapt to another culture, I learned to respect my own."

Stefan Szygiel, who graduated from Arcadia in May 2007, studied business in Spain and on the Caribbean island of Dominica. "Being an International Business major, I gained a valuable skill set in learning how to interact in a foreign country and through an International Internship at the Chamber of Commerce. Most importantly, I learned how to be culturally sensitive and aware in an increasingly global society."

Getting real-world experience: Students majoring in art, business, engineering and almost every discipline are taking advantage of opportunities for internships and real-world work experience. Many gain confidence and independence as a result of making decisions on their own.

In addition to the traditional semester abroad, many colleges are offering a full menu of study abroad options. Some courses include a short in-country component. Other programs require an entire year abroad. Some students are opting for summer internships abroad, or study in the southern hemisphere over summer break.

One Million Students Abroad?

Why is Congress considering a goal of 1 million U.S. college students studying abroad each year? "Studying abroad is this generation's opportunity to move international educational exchange forward in a world where mutual understanding is more needed than ever before," says David Larsen, Vice President and Executive Director of Arcadia's Center for Education Abroad, which serves college students from 350 institutions.

"Students can come to learn how people in other countries with other heritages and cultures see and interpret the actions of the United States. They also can come to recognize the gigantic importance of the United States in the world—and, it is hoped, come to shoulder some of the responsibility that ought to accompany this leadership role."

The Most Important Thing to Consider

While the study abroad menu is varied, the most important step for students is consulting with their college advisers to make sure that they are taking accredited courses that will apply toward their graduation requirements.

"The best time to explore the world is while you're in college," notes Dana Davies, Arcadia's Vice President of Enrollment. "Be sure to choose a program that gives you flexibility to explore another country—and still graduate in four years."

Editorial provided by Lori Bauer, Director of University Relations at Arcadia University.