Research paper Studying Abroad. pleaseeeeeee help me with my grammar

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Studying Abroad

If you are an American college student, you should consider studying abroad. Many American college students have a problem record on ethnocentrism, personal grow and indifference of the rest of the world (Chavez 1). The best way to address these problems is through studying abroad (Fredrix). Studying abroad is an invaluable and challenging experience that can be beneficial for those American college students who are over dependent of their parents, and do not have an idea of the world outside USA (“Top Ten”). Studying abroad can be an entertaining and secure experience; however, it is vital to realize that those students are subject to the rules and customs of another country (“International Traveler”). Before a student decides to study abroad, becoming informed is needed to make the best choice; in order to be prepared and safe (“Help for Students”).

America has one of the most diverse cultures in the world (“DCI Statement”). In contrast, many America college students have an inclination of not trying to learn about cultures outside of the United States (“10 Reasons Why”). In 2006 National Geographic found that 85% of Americans between 18 and 24 years old did not know where Iraq or Israel was on a map. 90% could not situate Afghanistan. 75% of Americans could not find Thailand, even after all the publicity that the tsunami had in 2004 (Long). %7 of American college students are traveling abroad each year (Long). This is very low compared with a country like Canada, which has a similar economical power and diversity of cultures, but with 30% of Canadian students traveling abroad (Long). In 2003 Education Secretary Richard Riley states that America college students cannot continue ignorant about the world outside of America boundaries (Fredrix). American college students have a serious problem regardless to global capability. In addition, Washington Associated Press states that the solution is in the government’s hands (Fredrix). The government must react rapidly to the lower participation of U.S. college students who learn a different language and study abroad (Fredrix).

Study abroad is defined as the manner in which students follow educational goals by partially completing their degree program outside the country of origin (Nolan). Moreover, studying abroad is an academic life-transition experience and one of the most satisfying things a student would ever do ("10 Reasons Why"). In general, classes that have been taken while studying abroad are counted as transferable credits to college education institutions in the country of origin ("Study Abroad"). The duration of study rage varies from one week, typically during holidays and vacation, until a year depending on the student’s academically and economically necessities and possibilities (“Study Abroad”).

Americans in general are a much closed culture than other countries around the world (“10 Reasons Why”). That is why Americans have a tendency of not trying to learn about cultures outside of the United States (“10 Reasons Why”). Students who study abroad come back home a lot more informed having an expanded perspective about different cultures and peoples (“Should You”). This process will lead those students to have an excellent opportunity to see a different perspective of their own culture and themselves (Hoffa). Moreover, students will be aware of how important is not to lose their own traditions and appreciation for the United States (“Top Ten Reasons”). By being involved in complete different country students are going to identify how American culture affects and fits into the rest of the world, but most important how the student as an individual affects and fits into their own culture and world (“Top Ten Reasons”).

Studying abroad is an incredible method to observe closer and expand student’s understanding of different cultures (Hebert). There are many beautiful places outside of the U.S. that are worth being seen. Moreover, different climates, vegetation and historical places in all continents that deserves to be enjoyed in a timely manner (“Top Ten”). It will never be the same just looking at pictures in books or watching TV programs than actually touching, smelling and enjoying those places in person. Studying and specially living in a different country will make the student perceive the world from a unlike point of view (Hebert). The student will be more susceptible to fully understand the differences and similarities between cultures as well as its background (“10 Reasons Why”).

One of the most important benefits of studying abroad is growth as an individual (“Five Benefits”). The experience of being involved in a different culture is not simple, but can make the students to be more respectful and tolerant of other people’s ideas and believes. Moreover, staying in a different country does the student deal with adverse situations that will make him or her more responsible, independent, proud of every single step he or she took and confident (“Reasons to Study”). Allan E. Goodman president of the Institute of International Education states that students choosing to study out of U.S.A. will extend and make stronger their skills in ways like socially, academically and personally. Many American students that are planning going to college are not as independent as they could be at this age (Hirsch 1). Since the student is far from the protection of parents they become fully independent by arranging their own problems (“Personal Growth”). Those students will discover that the ability to make strong decisions and independence are also a career tools for the future (“Personal Growth”).

Study abroad is the most favorable and faster way to learn a second language (“Should You”). In addition, according to The American Association of State Colleges and Universities American students should be exposed to different languages in order to suspend judgment over other tongues and stop the haughtiness that claim everyone knows or should know English (“Study Abroad Now”). Being in a complete different country makes you in the necessity of communicate, improving your language skills (“10 Reasons Why”). Learning a second language also helps students by expanding options into the important decisions of choosing colleges and future jobs (Hirsch 1).

Every day the world persists to be more globalized (“Five Benefits”). American companies are expanding their horizons to different countries; thus, the necessity of culturally smart and international knowledge applicants is increasing (“10 Reasons Why”). That is a lot beneficial for students who studied abroad (“10 Reasons Why”). By the experience of establishing intercultural contacts, studying abroad could make American students more self-sufficient as well as confident (Hirsch 1). In the majority of the majors those types of attitudes are necessarily if the student really wants to become someone (Hirsch 1). Companies take advantage of students who have a foreign experience, and place them apart from the common applicants (“10 Reasons Why”). Those companies see them as individuals with a high self stem, leadership qualities, independent, communication skills, bilingual, challenge fighters, and able to deal with diverse problems and decisions (“Reasons to Study”). International business is becoming something crucial in our world today (“Five Benefits”). American college students now will decide how involved do they want to be (“Should You”). Studying abroad could be the key to be more connected to high opportunities in big companies (“Gaining College”).

Studying abroad almost always has some negative consequences; especially in American students (Bunte 1). Two of the most important are homesickness and culture shock (Kolberg). Many American college students are so accustom to their daily life at home that when they get out of their houses sadness affects health and concentration (“Should You”). The depression that students face by the disconnection from family, friends and girlfriend or boyfriend is the biggest challenge (“Should You”). Sometimes they have troubles focusing on class because of the anxiety of knowing about their family (Kolberg). Homesickness may start even before the student travel (Kolberg). The first days and weeks are crucial for the student. Moreover, in the majority of the cases special days like holidays and anniversaries also lead to sadness (Kolberg). Homesickness is not that hard to deal with (“Study Abroad Student Guide”). Communication tools like Internet, phone, mails, are almost used everywhere (“Study Abroad Student Guide”). Almost everybody who takes the challenge of studying abroad is going to face culture shock (“Should You”). Culture shock, which is an unavoidable part of the process of adapting to a new culture, is all the anxiety and/or feelings such as confusion frustration and confusion resulting from not knowing the language and city (“Culture Shock”). Culture shock may not start instantly (“Predeparture: Preparing”). At the beginning you will feel absolutely happy of your new surroundings (“Should You”). Then the student could feel frustrated or irritated (“Should You”). Finally after a decent period of time, which varies on each individual, the student is going to be absolutely fine (“Predeparture: Preparing”). When culture sock symptoms are present is important to remember that the program eventually is going to finish (“Should You”). However, is also important to enjoy even the negative part of studying abroad (“Predeparture: Preparing”).

The student must consider this pros and con of studying abroad. After that he or she must ask him or herself some questions (“Reasons to Study”). Am I comfortable trying new things? This is important because some student thinking about studying abroad have the wrong idea that everything will be the same except the surroundings (Hirsch 2). Of course is not correct the difference in foods and social activity will be completely different (Hirsch 2). What is my academic objective? The student has to be focus on what he wants (“How to Choose”). This is a life changing experience not just a vacation trip (“How to Choose”). Am I going to accomplish my academic and monetary requirements for my current school and for the school abroad? The student has to make sure that all the requirements like tests or application fees are completed and paid (Hirsch 2). Do I have any problems taking risks? There are always some safety issues like violence, discrimination and viruses (Hirsch 2). The student must be aware of all this factors (Hirsch 2). Do I have any family problems that need my attention? If there are special circumstances at home, like a loved one who is terminally ill, maybe this isn't the time for you to leave (should You). Do I have any special medical, psychological and physical needs that may impact my participation in the study abroad program? The student must have in mind that not all programs and countries will be able to accommodate all individual needs or circumstances (should You). Do I consider myself as a good candidate? If the student has problems with any of the questions before he or she may think twice about traveling abroad (Hirsch 2).

Finally, the student has to do some research before in order to be informed about programs, safety, and scholarships (“Study Abroad Handbook”). Internet is the easiest way to find information, but also asking student’s instructor at his or her current school is very helpful (“Study Abroad Handbook”). The American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS) was found in 1964 and is today the leader in summer, semester and academic year college study abroad programs ("About AIFS”). AIFS has permanent offices in fifteen countries and has more than 50000 students participating in its programs each year ("About AIFS”). Academic.StudyAbroad.com is another important place that can be used by the student to be prepared and find academic study abroad semesters. This is an address full of spring semester and fall semester study abroad programs ("Studyabroad.com").

Studying abroad has risks like crime and violence that sometimes can be predicted by getting informed of specific areas of the country the student is planning to go (“Help for Students”). Others like tsunamis are unpredictable and cannot be controlled (“Help for Students”). The most important factor for students and their parents about studying abroad is safety. The SAFETI (Safety Abroad First - Educational Travel Information)and The State Department’s Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis Management (ACS) are important organizations that the students should visit in order to know important facts of their decision (“Help for Students”). The SAFETI (Safety Abroad First - Educational Travel Information) this is one resource of the Center for Global Education at Loyola Marymount University and an important organization that puts emphasis in factors like health and safety issues for U.S. colleges and universities helping students study abroad. ("SAFETI Clearinghouse"). The State Department’s Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis Management (ACS) administers the Consular Information Program, this is one program from the Department of State that informs the public of conditions abroad that may affect their security. This program will provide important specific information of the new possible country, warnings and travel alerts. ("U.S. Department of State").

Money is not an excuse for not studying abroad (“Study Abroad Scholarships”). There are many foundations that provide scholarships and grants to finance the student’s study abroad experience (“Study Abroad Scholarships”). IIEPassport Study Abroad Funding is an important resource that is going to help the student to search for founding information in each specific major and country (“Welcome to IIEPassport”). IIEPassport Study Abroad Founding has one of the most extensive databases of grants and scholarships that can give the student a financial possibility and in most case a profound reality (“Welcome to IIEPassport”). The American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) is also an excellent founding that each year gives more than $600,000 in scholarships and the coming year the amount of money will be double ("AIFS Study Abroad”).

In conclusion, many American college students are indifferent and ignorant about cultures outside of U.S.A. The U.S.A. government and other important American institutes are worried about the low percentage of American college students who are international informed. In addition, this American institutes agree that the best solution is studying abroad because will provide mature, bilingual and international informed students. There are negative consequences like homesickness and cultural sock that can be solved by the appropriate information and technology. The student has to make a self-questioning of the possibilities and objectives he wants to achieve. Finally the Students willing to study abroad have to be informed about the academic programs, safety and scholarships before traveling. A person who is ignorant about other cultures is like being ignorant of his or her own.