Study Abroad Essay (Application + Scholarship Examples)

Studying Abroad Essay #1

Education differs in every single country, but have you ever wanted to experience those differences? Studying is a dreaded word that many college students hate to hear, but how about doing it internationally? Traveling the world is something many hope to do in life, so why not do it now while in college? Studying abroad is helpful: the student walks away with educational, personal, and social benefits. The Meredith College Study Abroad Fashion Program has much to offer and exploring Paris, France enriches the fashion experience.

Due to programs that fit every major, studying abroad attainable for each student. Blake Elmore, a junior at Meredith College, talked about how studying abroad with the Meredith College Fashion Program in Paris, France benefited her: “I was able to immerse myself in a completely different culture, contributing to my appreciation and understanding of cultures other than my own” (Elmore). Being exposed to different ways of life brings a new perspective, even in the American culture. Not only will this experience be educationally beneficial throughout college, upon graduating studying abroad mentally prepares students to take on any obstacle that lies in their way. Being able to work with those who are different will benefit students in all areas of their lives “Unlike students taking courses at French universities and other non-American organizations, a student at this program can be sure of the transferability and the quality of their courses taken abroad” (Language). According to Goodman and Berdan, “Despite the inevitable increasing global competition for jobs, American graduates lack the international experience, language capabilities and cross-cultural communication skills necessary to succeed in the global economy” (Goodman). Exposure to international countries will allow college students the incredible experience of traveling. It also makes students aware of the way others work on a day-to-day basis. Students will also benefit socially from studying abroad due to the independence traveling internationally brings someone. Traveling abroad will make sure students will be more independent and mature than when they left. This is due to the student getting out of their comfort zone and trying something new.

The Meredith College Paris: Fashion program allows students the opportunity to have an internship with an internationally recognized designer while taking classes to further education for a fashion major. This program is beneficial to young women hoping to pursue a career in fashion merchandising; it allows students to get a grasp on what a job in the fashion industry may potentially be like for them someday. While Elmore was in France, the food did not differ much from American cuisine surprisingly. She said, “There were many Italian restaurants in France, which I ate probably 3-4 times a week. I also had Mexican, Chinese, and Japanese. Essentially, I didn’t eat that much different than I did in America” (Elmore). In many cases, it is important to try new things and get out of your comfort zone to completely understand and experience new cultures. Another benefit of this specific program is the chance to learn a new language. It is one thing to sit in an American classroom studying the French language, but immersing yourself in a foreign country allows for comprehension of the language. “In fact, studies have shown that immersion is the #1 way to learn a new language” (10 Reasons) what better way to get a complete grasp on the language while learning all about the culture at the same time?

In addition to being centrally located between major European countries, it is still easily accessible to other countries. This allows students to not only experience what Paris, France has to offer but the experience to travel to other countries as well. Many students choose to go back to the same country later in life due to their liking of the specific place. Elmore says, “If I could do it over again, I would still choose Paris, France. Traveling to Paris has been my dream since I can remember, and it was everything and more than imagined” (Elmore). Another advantage of studying abroad in Paris, France, is the people. Elmore said, “I had never in my life felt so welcomed. The French are some of the nicest people I had ever met” (Elmore). This shows how much students love the specific country they study in and how much they have loved their experience while visiting.

Studying abroad has many advantages. To experience the life of another culture, while gaining educational, personal, and social benefits, simply present an opportunity that you do not want to let pass you by. There is no substitution for “being there.” In the twenty-first century we can experience things online but the only way to experience it fully is to travel.

Works Cited
Elmore, Blake A. "Studying Abroad." E-mail interview. 7 Apr. 2017.
Goodman and Berdan. "The New York Times Company." The New York
Times. The New York Times, 12 May 2014. Web. 10 Apr. 2017.
Language Learning & Language Teaching : Social and Cultural Aspects of Language Learning
in Study Abroad. Amsterdam, NL: John Benjamins Publishing Company, 2013. ProQuest
ebrary. Web. 11 April 2017.
"10 Reasons Why You Should Study Abroad." StudentUniverse. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2017.

Studying Abroad Scholarship Example #2

Ever since I was a little girl, I have been in love with culture. Whether it was reading books on Greek mythology or learning about the ancient customs of the Japanese, I was always interested. I have always really appreciated culture, especially language. I remember begging my mom to let me study abroad in Japan while I was in middle school but was never able to. Now that I am an adult and in college, my dream of studying abroad is close but just out of my grasp. I want to study abroad to gain the experience of living in another country while being immersed in the culture and language. This scholarship will help make my schooling more affordable so that I am able to achieve this.

I am going to school to teach English to foreign students. The goal of my dream is that I really want to help people expand their opportunities since English is one of the most spoken languages in the world. I enjoy teaching people new things and I tutor several students in my school and online with English. It is such a rewarding experience seeing their faces light up as they start to understand a difficult topic such as a foreign language. I want to continue to do this professionally in a foreign country and make the world a friendlier place to live in. I believe that language is the key to creating meaningful relationships with other countries and cultures around the world. I believe that this program can help me gain the experiences I need to do this if I am given the chance. I chose Korea because while many people choose to go to a place like Paris or London, I would like to appreciate the culture of somewhere less traveled. I also want to study many languages with Korean being at the top of the list.

Studying Abroad Essay Example #3

When exploring the opportunities that are afforded to me through study abroad, I envision them as an extension of my goals I've set locally here at Marquette. Much like my time here at Marquette, I want to use my experience abroad as a chance to enrich my life both inside and outside the classroom. What I am looking forward to the most is becoming more well-rounded through both the immersion of this new culture and the academic education provided. When I applied to Marquette, I had the explicit intention to throw myself outside my comfort zone. I applied to a school where I knew no one, halfway across the country from my home in Washington state. Because I pushed myself to make that leap, I have had so many incredible experiences at Marquette that have allowed me to grow exponentially. I see this trip as yet another opportunity to get outside my comfort zone and grow in new and exciting ways.

Another goal for my time abroad is to learn more about my cultural background. My family is largely from England, with my earliest ancestors coming over on the Mayflower. I take great pride in knowing where I come from and understanding the roots of my family tree. While I love being American, I do want to fully explore my familial history and embrace both sides. While I know the basics of where my family is from, the information I know about the English culture comes entirely from what I've seen in literature and movies. Before I can fully understand my history, I must do more than research it, I must experience it.

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