If you have studied abroad yourself or are a professional in the field of international education, you know that studying abroad is an experience unlike any other. Whether you’re a student looking to broaden your horizons or a professor looking to provide your students with a unique educational environment, studying abroad has countless benefits that can positively impact your personal and professional development. As a provider, SAA takes pride in offering these life-changing opportunities, but we know that there can be many barriers for students considering studying abroad. That’s why this year we created our Community and Technical College Scholarships , available for anyone from a CC or TC studying with SAA on a Faculty-Led program looking for financial assistance.
This spring, SAA awarded three students scholarships of $500-$1000. These students submitted their innermost thoughts about their upcoming studying abroad programs: their fears, their excitement, and the barriers they had undoubtedly gone through to make their goal of studying abroad become a reality. By easing the upfront financial burden, we can provide these recipients with a true investment — the lifelong benefits of studying abroad.
One of the most obvious benefits of studying abroad is the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture. In a world that is becoming increasingly globalized, having an appreciation for other cultures is a valuable and in-demand skill. By living in another country for a period of time, students have the chance to learn about new customs, traditions, and ways of thinking that will broaden their worldview. As one of our scholarship recipients, Heidi of Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, reflected on her time abroad in Costa Rica studying Nursing:
It is such a good reminder that there are so many cultures and people in this world, and that we are all beautiful in our own way. Travel is so important to help you remember that our world has so many amazing people and places to see, and it is worth getting out of your bubble and your comfort zone to learn and grow.
Studying abroad also helps you develop important personal skills such as independence, adaptability, and resilience. Living in a foreign country can be challenging, but surviving (and thriving!) in such a new environment can be a huge confidence boost, especially for those who were nervous prior to departure. Another scholarship recipient, Abi of Western Nebraska Community College, shared this sentiment after returning home from her Art and Culture program in Italy. “In my personal life, I have definitely been changed. [I have] a new trust in myself that I can figure things out, even in a foreign country.” By pulling you out of your comfort zone, studying abroad necessarily facilitates growth for those up to the challenge.
Another important soft skill developed from studying abroad is perspective. Traveling internationally can make you realize how much goes on around the world that doesn’t affect your everyday life in your home country. It can be easy to ignore these things when you keep to what is familiar, but by opening yourself up to traveling abroad, everything is within reach. Oklahoma City Community College’s Logan, the last of the three scholarship recipients, had an interesting experience with this on his Japan Humanities program when a national warning went out about a potential nearby missile launch. After the alert was lifted and the commotion settled, Logan contacted his brother at home in Oklahoma to see if he had heard the news, but his brother had no idea what happened. Logan was shocked that this national news hadn’t reached his network back home. “It really opened up my eyes to the world and how big it truly is.” This shift in perspective was initiated by studying abroad and reflecting on personal program memories. Many study abroad alumni have a more global perspective because of their own similar experiences, allowing for greater empathy, awareness, and motivation.
Finally, studying abroad also builds professional skills. All SAA faculty-led programs are academic, but they also support students in their career readiness and development. Many programs have specific academic subjects, like Business or Biology, and the on-ground activities often reflect that. Students can strengthen their abilities in these subjects and bring that knowledge to their future careers. General soft skills are also developed, as previously mentioned; independence, flexibility, and time management are just some of these skills and are pivotal for professionals of all ages. Now more than ever, employers are looking for candidates who have global experience and are able to work effectively in diverse environments. By studying abroad, you will demonstrate to potential employers that you are adaptable, culturally aware, and willing to take risks, all of which are highly valued in today’s job market.
Overall, studying abroad offers myriad benefits to anyone and everyone looking to challenge themselves. It provides a unique opportunity for personal, academic, and professional development that can actually make a difference. And if you’re still not convinced, take it from our scholarship winners:
“I made friendships on the trip that I am so grateful for! “
“… incredible cultural experiences [that] I learned so much from!”
“It’s hard to pick one favorite thing, because the whole trip was amazing.”
“Now that I have started traveling, I don’t want to stop!”
Thank you to our scholarship winners once again!
Heidi W., Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Logan L., Oklahoma City Community College
Abi P., Western Nebraska Community College