Study abroad enhances college education

Stepping off the plane after about a 40 hour flight, I was overcome with a collision of mixed emotions. I had been jerked around by airport personnel, handled four connections with long layovers, was informed that my luggage had been lost in the process and not to mention was extremely exhausted.

But in the midst of all the chaos, I was excited. I was spending the remainder of my summer in Berlin.

My excitement slowly melted away as I grasped the reality of my situation: I had landed in a foreign country in the middle of the night, not knowing anyone or any of the language.

As I somehow managed to flag a taxi and make my way to my apartment, I was truly independent and outside of my comfort zone—for the first time ever in my life I was homesick.

I soon moved on from my dramatic introduction to Germany and quickly adjusted to studying and living abroad. I met so many new people from all over the world and began to actively engage in fascinating classes lectured from an entirely different perspective.

I was studying hard and playing hard. I did not want to miss anything the beautifully cosmopolitan city had to offer: from the bakery on the way to class with delicious treats and hot coffee to spending afternoons sightseeing to festivals downtown to weekend trips to Prague and Weimar to picnics by the lake to clubs at night to laughing with crazy roommates to getting lost on the metro to shopping all across the city to touring decadent palaces—I refused to let Berlin pass me by.

I wanted to become immersed in the culture, discovering the subtle practices that I cannot learn sitting inside of the classroom.

I expected to learn more about myself, as I stepped outside of the realm of comfort to try new things and meet new people: this is what studying abroad is all about, and I strongly advocate every undergraduate take advantage of this incredible experience.

Being an independent person, I still found it a challenge to pick up everything and venture abroad, but breaking beyond those obstacles opens you up to so many worthwhile opportunities and meaningful experiences. I established long-lasting friendships and carry incredible memories that I will never forget.

Before heading to Berlin, I enjoyed studying the European Union last spring, I loved transcending one of my passions beyond the classroom through study abroad. I learned so much from the exposure to the culture, the language, the travel and the chance to meet new people.

I was able to bring my awareness from Berlin back to the States and incorporate my new-found passions at Tech: in the fall, I immediately began to tailor my studies in International Affairs to emphasize a European concentration and enrolled in the beginning German language course.

Not only does study abroad shape your focus of study, but it enhances how you view all aspects of life: you further your appreciation for your family, your friends, your daily experiences, your interactions, and living in the United States.

Finding a program that fits you is important. As an International Affairs major, my experience at Freie Universität studying international politics and film in a program outside of Tech is not for everyone: there are major limitations, and it demands a high degree of independence.

Having proficient language skills can also be a limiting factor in choosing a study abroad program or location. But there are programs out there that cater to English-speaking students if you take the time to look. Full-immersion programs are also an option for those with a limited command of a foreign language to attain proficiency.

Whether you are looking for a big city immersion experience, an intimate homestay, an international internship or a tour of several countries while studying, there are many programs and opportunities available to accommodate students.

I feel there can be a fit for nearly everyone if you plan ahead, especially if you research programs and scholarships on your own. Tech has a lot to offer, with the Office of International Education as an excellent resource.

Studying abroad is an indispensable tool in understanding other cultures, a skill critical in a rapidly globalizing environment.

You are not merely traveling or observing different cultures, but physically living in their shoes—experiencing a different approach to life first hand.

I commend Tech for acknowledging the importance of gaining international exposure as an undergraduate with the addition of the International Plan as a degree designation; Tech is recognizing the growing demand for internationally-minded graduates in the job market.

I strongly encourage every student to study abroad as an imperative experience in your educational career.