I agree with Kat that it is a very enticing opportunity that
would benefit a person but I also feel that studying abroad isn’t for everyone.
Studying abroad is a great experience to become more cultured and learn about a
society that is completely different from your own. Also studying abroad can
help develop a foreign language and allow you try to fully dive into the
culture, but to me studying abroad isn’t the right call for everyone. There are
many people who academically can’t afford to spend a semester abroad and away
from their normal course of study. Here at Furman I feel we are given an
exceptional opportunity where lots of different experiences are offered but
other schools aren’t as lucky. If someone wants to become a doctor and graduate
in 3 years to follow their life plan, spending a semester in Spain won’t help.
Also most college students don’t need to go abroad to test their independence
and financial managerial skills. Being away form home in its own right can be
very challenging for some and is the first real taste of the real world. Lastly
people have to give up a lot in order to go away. Sometimes they give up
comfort and friends and go in blind without knowing anyone or the language. It
is a gamble that doesn’t pay off for everyone but some strike it rich and have
the experience of a lifetime. Studying abroad is something that I think can be
very beneficial if one’s plan allows for it. I am personally enjoy traveling
and having the opportunity to spend an entire semester in a foreign country
excites me but I don’t think I’ll take advantage of the opportunity.
