Why study abroad?

1. Succeed in college!

In the United States, only about one percent (NAFSA statistics) of undergraduate students study abroad, yet the outcomes related to participation in study abroad programs can be immense. According to a Florida State University study (conducted by James T. Posey): “… 93.2% of study abroad participants received some type of degree compared to only 64% of the non study abroad group. The study abroad group also had a higher mean college GPA of 3.19 compared to the 2.74 for the non study abroad group”.

2. Learn about the world, and your role in it!

Results from a study compiled by Texas Christian University entitled “Exploring the Impact of Study Abroad on Students’ Intercultural Communication Skills: Adaptability and Sensitivity” confirmed the hypothesis that students who study abroad exhibit a greater change in intercultural communication skills after their semester abroad than students who stay on campus. One of the great surprises to students who study abroad is just how much they learn about themselves. In experiencing other cultures and languages, foods and customs, students learn to examine their own culture and themselves. Here's a sampling of comments from students who have studied overseas with EMU Academic Programs Abroad:

"Even though I've had a wide range of experiences in my own life in this country, traveling to another continent and being immersed in completely different cultures was an incredible life-changing trip. It's easy to forget that the way we do things is not necessarily the right or only way to do them until we spend time in places very different from ours. I now have a wider perspective on life and a greater tolerance for diversity because of my participation on this program." ~David Lessens

"I know that everyone says that a study abroad program changes your life. This program did that and so much more! I have made lifelong friends and have a more complete view of the world. After September 11 this is something everyone should have. This trip opened my eyes to everything the world has to offer!" ~Carrie Meadows

"My study abroad experience really changed my outlook on life. Experiencing other people and being moved by the places I've been made my life so much richer-on top of that I learned how important it is to be stretched in order to achieve growth-personally, academically and spiritually." ~Missi Rogers

"Never have I had such a complete experience of Europe as with the ECHT. The travel is an adventure, the teachers are amazing, the students become dear friends within a week and the sites are breathtaking. On so many levels, from education to personal growth, EMU’s European Cultural History Tour is so much more than just a trip overseas." ~Nathan Jernigan

3. Learn a foreign language!

Most EMU study abroad programs are in English, and students don’t need a foreign language in order to learn. However, in a global economy and interdependent world, language skills become increasingly valuable. Less than 7% of U.S. university students (NAFSA statistics) learn a foreign language, at a time when language skills are more important than ever. EMU Academic Programs Abroad offers you the opportunity to take courses in Japanese, French, Spanish and German at your level of ability...from beginner to graduate student. Immersion is the best way to learn a foreign language.

• In the book “ Study Abroad: Education for the 21st Century” by Lynda J. King and John A. Young, tables show that students participating in study abroad language programs use the host language as much as 50% of their free time out of class. When you are in the culture, and need to use the language every day, learning becomes a part of your daily life!
• The State Department has cited a “critical need” in the US for language education, and instituted a language grants program for K-12. Learning languages is a national priority!

4. Learn while you earn!

EMU study abroad participants go on to greater engagement with the world, and can get paid doing it. Study Abroad alumni are currently:

• Peace Corps participants
• Working abroad on International Internships
• Fulbright scholars

5. Get an edge on the competition!

Whether you plan on attending graduate school or entering the job market, study abroad can provide the experience that sets you apart from the crowd in this increasingly interdependent world. Most EMU study abroad participants list their study broad experience on the resumes and curriculum vitae, and know that they will be in the small, elite group of US graduates with study abroad experience. Lynda J. King and John A. Young ’s research, published as “Study Abroad: Education for the 21st Century” shows tables detailing international skills gained in study abroad programs that recent graduates used in their current jobs.

• 44% of recent study abroad participants polled in the study conducted at the University of Oregon used their international expertise/cultural knowledge in their new jobs.
• 22% used their foreign language skills in their jobs
• 20% traveled internationally in their jobs
• Another 20% collaborated internationally in their jobs

6. International Education is a national priority!

Read U.S. International Education policy statements: U.S. International Education