A global perspective is essentially viewing the world beyond one's local experience and seeing the world as a collection of cultures, values, and motivations. Gaining this perspective is exceptionally important, especially in today's modern society. Through advances in technology, the world is more connected than ever and it becomes increasingly important to understand other cultures, as the global market and advances towards global peace depend on it.
There are several major benefits to studying abroad. Firstly, it is simply an enriching experience for someone to take; many people never go beyond their state or region - let alone outside of national borders - so it is certainly something that would expand one as a person. Secondly, since few people go abroad, it can make one stand out on one's resume or applications. Only around 1% of college students go abroad, so doing so makes one seem more unique. Thirdly, it can be a way of expanding one's knowledge of a foreign language one is taking. For example, a person learning Italian would be greatly helped by studying where the language is actively spoken and used.
There are a few downsides though. Studying abroad can be expensive and scholarships are not guaranteed. Furthermore, study abroad programs may not offer certain majors or programs. Additionally, it removes one from their safety net in the States and could make a person feel more vulnerable or homesick. Lastly, some students have jobs that they need for schooling and taking a semester or summer off could negatively impact their work.
I personally am very keen on studying abroad while I am at FSU. I've looked into a few places, but am most keen on applying for an internship in Valencia when I become fluent in Spanish. They offer medical internships, which directly relates to my field of study and Biology major. I've also considered Florence, as I had a friend go their this past summer and it looks like an amazing place. Unfortunately, they do not offer many courses that would make such travel truly worth it for me personally, so I likely won't be able to go there through Florida State.
I liked you comment about how some never leave the safety net of the states. I've never traveled out of the United States and I certainly would not want the first time I leave the Nation to be alone without some type of family. Other than that I also would love the gain of global perspective I would receive, but I believe I may have to find it somewhere else and at a different time.
ReplyDeleteIt's so cool how you already have investigated where you want to go and why. I think a lot of people just get overwhelmed with the idea of planning and figuring out which place is the best fit for them. Good luck with the scholarship application and hope you get to go!
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