National/World Editor
A typical summer for a high school student may consist of trips, college programs, extracurricular activities, and time to relax with friends and family. Yet, students rarely engage in summer abroad programs to immerse themselves in a new language or country. Granted, abroad programs typically attract more college students due to their affiliation with many universities. Still, in my opinion, more high schools should have accessible travel programs to participate in overseas summer experiences.
Not only do these immersive programs expose students to diverse cultures, they also require students to adapt to language barriers, improve their problem-solving skills, and gain more independence. The familiar comforts of home, supported by parents, siblings, and friends, define much of a student’s everyday routine; abroad trips encourage change and adaptability. Travel abroad programs help high school students become more self-sufficient and embrace positive pressures. Communicating, navigating, and adapting in an unfamiliar environment present challenges that traditional school routines rarely offer. While students feel comfortable in their usual classrooms and social circles, studying abroad exposes them to different cultures and ways of life. Reading signs and transit maps in another language, budgeting and spending money, adjusting to schedules, and learning new social norms all strengthen students’ problem-solving skills.
According to the United States Department of State, “Every year, more than 300,000 American students study, intern, or volunteer abroad for academic credit on programs,” yet, as shared by the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), “Only about 2% of U.S. high school students participate in study abroad programs each year.” In recent years, high school students across the US have submerged themselves in extracurricular activities to differentiate themselves from other candidates for university applications. Teens have the opportunity to stand out beyond internships and jobs by showing their willingness to engage with unfamiliar situations. Studying and learning in a foreign country shows ambition, curiosity, and a willingness to take on challenges. Marissa Lombardi, director for the Master of Science in Global Studies and International Relations program at Northeastern University, exclaims: “Students who study abroad offer more to the workplace than those who don’t. They offer a fuller package than just a student who’s looked at how things are theoretically, as opposed to students who have the opportunity to apply the concepts in their studies to real jobs and experiences across various cultures.”
(Sources: CIEE, United States Department of State, UC Merced, Northeastern University)
Categories: Opinion