Top 5 Reasons You Should Study Abroad in College

# 1: Get out of your comfort zone! 

The first time I ever applied for a passport, rode on an airplane, rode on a train, tour bus, and traveled further than South Carolina to Chicago was my senior year of college. And catch this, I did it without a single family member or friend. Although I did travel with one professor and one other education student, I had only met them a few months prior to the trip. We didn't even sit near each other going and coming back from overseas. This was my first time ever being away from home without my family, and I wasn't even afraid. My family was so shocked that I managed to earn enough of money and courage to travel overseas. When I left for Germany, I had only a six week German language course and Pinterest to prepare myself for the new culture I was to soon be living in. If I can do it, you can do it. That's what I told myself!

# 2: Resume/ Interview

Studying abroad can be beneficial when graduation approaches and the job hunt begins. Employers are searching for people who will be a great asset to their company and who stands out from the rest of the bunch. Writing on your resume that you've studied abroad in another country will definitely make you stand out. You will have great, beneficial information to tell the interviewer about your experiences abroad. But, make sure they tie in with the company. For example, if you are applying to be hired as a teacher. You could talk about your interaction with the natives of the country you studied in. Express how much respect you have for people of different social and cultural backgrounds. Explain how your experiences will benefit your performance in the workplace.

# 3: Finances:

Okay! So how do I find the finances to study abroad? Well, most universities have a international studies department that works on helping and protecting their own students while they are out of the country. The University of South Carolina Upstate, along with all the other extensions, provide scholarships and an insurance card that you take with you overseas. The scholarship I was awarded had certain obtainable requirements like your major, GPA, and one to two recommendation letters. Another way to study abroad is to use part of your financial aid. Sometimes your financial aid can be increased based on your GPA and whether or not your considered independent or a dependent student. Either way, it's much easier to study and travel abroad while in college. The rate to travel is way cheaper for students than if you traveled with a traveling agency. USC Upstate has a sister college in Stendal, Germany named Hochschule Madgeburg-Stendal. If we needed immediate help like directions we could call them

# 4: Culturally Aware

Studying abroad helped me to have a new appreciation for the things I'm blessed with. Some of the schools we visited were so humble. Unlike the schools I've visited in the states, there were children who wore the same clothes, shoes, and backpacks everyday. I'm not saying children in America don't have these same issues, I just never seen so many in one location. Another thing, which was actually positive is that transportation isn't like it is here in South Carolina. I'm used to getting in my car and driving where I need to go. In Europe, we had to walk every where. Unless we were going to the next county or territory, we walked to the schools, grocery store, and any where else we needed to go.

#5: Opportunity is Now!

Who knows when the next time you will be able to experience life in another country. The assistance you need for support is right their at your university. If you were to embark upon any dangerous situations while overseas where you needed immediate funds, well the university may not admit it but they have the funds to help you. Studying abroad overseas in college helped me to find myself and to help me realize that I am a lot stronger than I think. When I left the states, I was nervous that I was going to end up being around people who weren't Christians and who didn't understand my ways. I ended up getting along great with the young lady I roomed with overseas. Hilary and I were both Christians, we enjoyed the walking (exercising), and since we couldn't find an open church in Stendal, Germany on Sundays we listened to sermons on YouTube. Our guides from USC's sister university were great as well. There wasn't a moment where I felt unsafe. If it's fear that's holding you back, then I suggest you read Deuteronomy 31:6-"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.

"God didn't make this world this big for us to not enjoy it. Your time is now"-T.J.