Mentor Advice
Question
Why is it important to study abroad?
25 Replies from Mentors
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Thomas Peter LantosFormer Ranking MemberHouse International Relations CommitteeI have always believed that studying abroad provides an irreplaceable experience that college students carry with them the rest of their lives…International study transforms our young people and makes them citizens of the world.
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Carol LarsonDirector of Management, Study Abroad OfficeUniversity of PittsburghAnswer: Studying abroad allows students to develop skills in problem solving and potentially foreign languages; they gain geographical and historical knowledge; they're exposed to people who process information differently than they do. Students can make professional contacts and gain a sense of direction for their future career. Students gain an appreciation of what we have in the U.S.; they develop confidence, a strengthened sense of personal identity, flexibility, and creativity. Students learn to rely on themselves and become more independent. Students increase their interest in other cultures, become less ethnocentric, as they become more aware of cultural differences, develop language skills within a cultural context, and become more culturally sensitive and accepting.
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Jenny MingFormer PresidentOld NavyStudy Abroad is a great way to gain perspective and experience that will shape the rest of your life - personally and professionally.
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Barack Hussein Obama44th and current President of the United StatesUnited StatesSo as President, I'd like to find new ways to connect young Americans to young people all around the world, by supporting opportunities to learn new languages, and serve and study, welcoming students from other countries to our shores. That's always been a critical part of how America engages the world.
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Peter OlfsSenior DirectorSiemens AG (Munich, Germany)Global knowledge and global experience [are the] key factors for a better world... For students: you need to have an idea about the world; you want to learn about other cultures – language is the vehicle; you want to learn how to learn about cultures and values. With this you will be able to listen to hidden signals; with this you will have better judgment; with this you will be the better boss – even at home.
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Condoleezza RiceFormer Secretary of StateUnited StatesIt is really important that people around the world get to know Americans and that Americans get to know people from around the world. There are so many misconceptions about what Americans are like… really take advantage of the opportunity to get to know other cultures, to get to know other languages, to travel to other places…And, as importantly, meeting Americans when they travel abroad widens other people's horizons about us.
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OliviaParent of Study Abroad StudentLoyola Marymount UniversityIn my opinion, it is important to study abroad for several reasons. It teaches your child independence and fosters maturity. Your child has an opportunity to see the similarities and differences of people from other cultures, thus giving him/her a world perspective that he/she would not have gained otherwise. This perspective, I believe, will put your child in good stead as an adult.
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Arnold Alois SchwarzeneggerFormer GovernorState of CaliforniaWith our world becoming increasingly interconnected, our students need to become aware of global issues and international affairs. The free exchange of ideas and knowledge is vital to advancing mutual understanding, and I commend you for promoting in our young people tolerance of diverse cultures.
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Margaret SpellingsFormer Secretary of EducationUnited StatesIt is… very important to teach students about the world beyond their own countries…We must understand what motivates those whose cultures and traditions are not our own. To achieve these goals, we must teach our children international education skills, which include the learning of other languages, cultures, and traditions.
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NancySenior Year StudentLoyola Marymount University
Hear a student’s advice to parents about letting their children study abroad.
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