Studying abroad helps to raise awareness of other cultures [column] | Local Voices

Going abroad is something a lot of us dream about doing at some point in our lives. For some people, it’s just vacationing or sightseeing for a couple days or weeks, but for others, it’s a bit different.

Some young people take part in study-abroad programs in college or high school. No matter where you go when studying abroad, it is one of the most eye-opening and beneficial experiences you can take part in in your life.

Studying abroad is a very scary thing to do. As a former exchange student myself, I know firsthand that it takes guts. Exchanges have many benefits, though, which outweigh the scariness of living in another country among strangers.

According to a 2011 academic article on the benefits of studying abroad by researchers Bruno Leutwyler and Samantha Lottenbach, “Former exchange students … benefited in self-efficacy, self-confidence, persistence, and openness toward foreign attitudes and customs even 10 years after participating in exchange programmes.”

During an exchange, students are experiencing an entirely new culture for, most likely, the first time. Over the course of the semester, students acclimate to a new way of life and it slowly becomes less foreign and less scary.

Some exchange students may even choose to live in their host country at some point after their exchange. It can have a huge impact on their life.

As stated in the article by Leutwyler and Lottenbach, former exchange students also gain an openness toward other cultures after their exchange.

Former exchange students know firsthand what it is like to live in a new country, where everything is new: the culture, language, infrastructure, everything. They gain a new appreciation for their hometowns and the ease of doing something as simple as ordering food in their native language.

My own experiences studying abroad in Germany last year gave me a deep appreciation and sympathy for immigrants who don’t speak English fluently. I know what it’s like to be in that situation, and it’s not easy.

Perhaps most important, exchange programs are a great way to become more culturally and globally aware.

A 2011 article in the Sports Management Education Journal states: “Student exchange programs are often cited as prominent and important vehicles for … developing intercultural understanding and competence, both of which are necessary to be successful in a global economy.”

Being culturally aware is truly a necessity, not a luxury, in today’s world. Everything is so connected, and we are constantly hearing about things that are happening all over the world. It’s also good to have cultural awareness when it comes to professional jobs. Depending on where someone works, he or she can come into contact with multiple people who aren’t from the United States within a single shift.

I fully believe everyone should at least be given the opportunity to do some sort of study-abroad program in high school or college. It helps our society to be more aware of the world around us and less close-minded about other cultures.

Wynter Jacot is in the 12th grade at Garden Spot High School.