|
“One’s destination is never a place, but a
new way of seeing things.”
– Henry
Miller
|
*Numbers for
other US minorities are 7.6% Hispanic/Latino, 7.7% Asian, and 2.3% Other (Education,
2013) .
By Cha Jones, Expat Women of Color
Reasons to Study Abroad
As with
anything, there are benefits and challenges to studying abroad. However, here
are some of the reasons we think it is extremely important for more minority
women to experience studying abroad.
Q Self-Awareness.
Studying abroad gives you the opportunity to look at yourself in different ways
and helps you begin to explore your own personal identity.
Q Confidence.
Studying abroad helps build your confidence and assures you that you have what
it take to step out of your comfort zones and meet the challenges placed before
you.
Q Challenges
Perspective. Study abroad will give the opportunity to see the world
through new eyes and introduce you to different cultures and people living in
different environments, which allows you to appreciate how other people do
things. You will always have the opportunity to change your perspective on how
you view the U.S and see how other countries view Americans.
Q Increase Career Opportunities. By studying abroad, you have the opportunity to increase how
future employers see you. The world is ever changing and the business world is
becoming smaller in terms of marketplace. More companies are “going global” and
by studying abroad, you have a better chance to market your versatility, show
you are knowledgeable about the world, and exhibit that you are well traveled.
Q Explore the World. When you take the opportunity to study abroad you open the door to a new
world in which you can travel, meet new people, see things that many people
only dream or read bout in books.
Q Extend Your Network. Studying abroad also helps you network with other students, host
families, and expatriates living abroad. This gives you the opportunity to meet
new people that have similar interests and career goals. By networking with
others as you travel or connect through school, you expand your net-worth
through networking.
Q Learn a Language. You can use your time abroad to learn the language of your host country.
Have you always wanted to learn Spanish? Well, what better way to learn it than
while living in Spain.
