Top Ten Reasons That I am Studying Abroad

1. Traveling/ Studying abroad is a life-altering experience!
         Seeing new things helps keeps an open mind. You learn so much from the people you meet and the places you see.

2. Learn about yourself and gain independence.
        When you travel you learn more about yourself in the sense that you don;t have to be a certain way. You don't have to be the person that you were at home, no one will judge you. When there's no one to lean on you have to learn how to step up and care for yourself.

3. Gain perspective on your own country and culture.
        Stepping out of you comfort zone and learning new things, you never know what is ahead of you. It helps you understand why people assume things about you when you don't even know them because of where your from.

4. Learn a language in the country where it is spoken.
        Studying abroad allows students to learn from the best and be challenged in learning the language quickly and effectively. This is also great because when you make friends in that country in order to communicate with them you have to learn their language. It can be a fun experience if you just let yourself make mistakes.

5. Resume builder.
         Being open-minded and willing to take a challenge is part of being a well-rounded individual. these are
also qualitites collegs and employers look for and study abroad provides.

6. Programs work with any academic program.
        It's important to know that even though opportunities should be taken quickly when studying abroad. It's not a one time thing. You can always reapply with different/ same companies. Also although I am a high school student venturing out into this, college is also another opportuity to do this kind of program.

7. Experiencing hands-on learning.
        It's not a text book that you can read and take a test on. You are in an environment that you must learn quickly to survive. You have to adapt. Like the saying goes: when in rome do as the romans do.

8. See the world.
       You get to not only leave your home country but also see a new one and learn about a different culture. Unlike a visitor you are in the country not to sight-see but to learn so much more. You get to be quick on your feet and creative in communicating. You get to have fun and learn.

9. Make connections that last a lifetime.
         When your away from home you meet new people. These people can be the check-out clerk at a market or a random person you meet, either way they make what your experience that more memorable. You'll always remember the situation bett if you meet great people.

10. Being away from home is fun, exciting, nerve-wrecking, and AMAZING!
         It's up to you to make the most of you trip. I know I will try my very very hardest to have the time of my life.