Student Union
The Personal Perks of Studying Abroad
Studying abroad encompasses loads of perks; you get to develop your language, it looks good on your resume, you get to experience new places and you meet lots of future contacts. For me, however, there is one thing that has been more valuable than all of these; the people that I’ve met. Sounds like a cliché? Maybe so, but that doesn’t make it any less true. Coming to America and joining a highly international program at American University, I met people from all over the world; China, Germany, Colombia, South-Korea, France and Lebanon, and they became my friends. Even though I’ve been told all my life that it doesn’t matter where your from, the color of your skin and so on, it really didn’t hit me this hard until I had familiar faces to put on each country; We are all the same! We all make mistakes, we’re all sad, we’re all happy, we all get drunk and we all regret it the day after.
I personally think that in an ideal world, people would travel more and get to know other cultures and people, because the world needs a population that respects, and is more aware of, others than themselves. Of course, I understand that this is not possible for everyone, but if you have the opportunity, please take it. The best way to learn about yourself, is to get out of your comfort zone, and meeting other people.
I will take an example from my time in DC. One of the best friends I got here is a girl from Lebanon. Lebanon is a tiny Arab country that borders to Syria and Israel, and for a Norwegian girl like me, it doesn’t get further from my reality than that. Of course, being in the US the last couple of months, made it impossible not to know about Syria and the dark, dark times they’re facing. But Lebanon? I never really thought about Lebanon. Now, I love hearing her stories, and comparing our everyday life – even though I must admit it makes me feel both naive and on the limit of stupid sometimes. I can feel the injustice she must be feeling, when there is a car bomb going off, killing over 25 innocent people just because they’re political extremists, and because Lebanon have a unfortunate geographic location. The differences between our home countries are striking, and occur almost in any possible part of society. Yet, she speaks to and about her friends in the same way I do, and have the same kinds of everyday-problems that I have.
Now, the semester is coming to an end. Im going home to Norway, she’s going back to Lebanon. And I don’t want her to. I’ve had nightmares. I’m worried. I care! And this is more or less what I’m trying to say here; it is so much easier to think twice about, and respect, other countries, when you have people you care about associated with them. And that is why it’s not only good for your language and career to study abroad; it’s also good for your understanding of the world. It opens your eyes, it opens your mind and I do believe that it can help you become a better person.
See all News Updates of the Day
Four Couples Share How International Education Brought Them Together
This Valentine’s Day, an "entrepreneurial power couple," two "e-pals" and others told Sophie Hogan of The PIE News how they found each other through international study. (February 2024)
- By VOA News
International Student Enrollment May Be on Rebound Worldwide
Data from Project Atlas, which has tracked international student mobility since 2001, shows that more students are resuming studies abroad after the pandemic.
According to University World News, “Rebounds of international student numbers in 2022 and 2023, particularly in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada, as reported in Project Atlas, indicate that the global total may again accelerate.” (February 2024)
- By VOA News
Economic Pressures Threaten US Land-Grant Universities
Land-grant universities were established in the United States more than 160 years ago to provide higher education to citizens with an emphasis on practical skills, especially agriculture and mechanics.
The University Herald explains how budget decisions and political concerns are putting pressure on these American institutions. (February 2024)
- By VOA News
Tips for Getting Through US Student Visa Interview
International students wanting to study in the United States should start the visa application process right away, read instructions carefully and be careful filling out forms.
Financial Express has compiled tips to help potential students navigate the visa application and interview process. (February 2024)
- By VOA News
These Jobs Pay More Than $100,000 to Bachelor-Degree Holders
Among the list: actuaries, art directors, human resources managers, and petroleum engineers.
See the full list from Sarah Wood in US News & World Report. (February 2024)