Expanding Horizons: The Perks of Studying Abroad

For many students, college is a new world of independence, a novelty compared to the high school experience. But why not expand the experience even further? Pretty much every college offers a study abroad program, and it is well worth taking advantage of this opportunity. As much as we here in the U.S. claim to be diverse, we’re still one landmass- this is not to say there isn’t diversity within our borders- but when you’re 19 or 20 years old and you have an opportunity to see what’s out there beyond those borders, take it! Whether you go to London or Rome or Hong Kong or Sydney, expanding your geographical horizons can only help make you a more well-rounded person.

I was lucky enough to spend the first semester of my junior year in Leiden, Netherlands. Let me tell you, even though I was taking classes, being there was an education in and of itself. My parents were kind enough to have bought me a Eurorail pass, which allowed me to travel all over the map. It was amazing, and I honestly don’t think I’ll ever have this kind of opportunity again. Sure, I can buy a plane ticket and go to Europe now, but that 20 year-old enthusiasm that took hold of me during my study abroad semester can never be replicated. I don’t even know where to begin, but I’m going to attempt to highlight some of the highlights of this experience.

1. This is not Canada: My only out of country experience prior to this had been a trip to Niagara Falls. And, no offense to Niagara Falls (it’s really cool), but Europe is a little different. Yes, you need a passport to go to both places, but Niagara Falls is kinda like being in the states, and Leiden is nothing like being in the states. It’s a totally different world in so many ways, and this is a good experience for the young adult getting ready to venture out into the “real world.”

2. You Can’t Go Home for the Weekend: Unless your parents are swimming in money, you probably can’t hop a flight and head home for the weekend if you get tired of your roommates or if you need your laundry done. Again, this is a good thing: it encourages you to foster positive relationships with the people you’re around, and to understand that sometimes you just have to adapt.

3.  Cross-culture: I dormed with students from everywhere during my study abroad. I had never known anyone from Turkey until this experience, but a Turkish classmate became a good friend and one of many traveling companions as we journeyed through Europe. Needless to say, it was nice to be surrounded by the opposite of the homogeneity I had come from.

4. History: Wow: That’s the word that comes to mind when I think back about everything I saw during my trip. From thousand year old castles to Dante’s tomb to incredible works of art, I consider myself so lucky to have had the experience to see true history. And comparatively, this stuff is old. We have some great history here in America, but over there, you’re almost transported to a different time.

5. Thinking on your Feet: No study abroad experience is complete without having been utterly lost in a foreign country. I can’t even count how many times I had no clue where I was, but I knew I had to figure out a way back to the hostel or the train station. Granted, my experience was in the days before GPS and cell phones, but still when you’re in a different world, you learn to figure it out on the fly and that’s a good skill for later life.

6. An Experience to Cherish: Before I left for Leiden, my Grandfather (an Italian immigrant in his own right,) advised me to “pay attention” while I was overseas. It was truly great advice. I learned so much just watching and immersing myself in these different cultures. It was just so different than where I was from and where I was going to college. I returned home a different person, and I can’t imagine my life today without that experience.

Written by Phil Lane