2008 Woodie Awards
Study abroad: much more than just credits
Aileen Coe
Issue date: 9/21/06 Section: Opinions
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According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, an increasing number of students elect to study abroad. This is certainly evident here at Smith, where nearly 50 percent of students go abroad before graduation, myself included, although I only went for the summer. This statistic demonstrates a growing interest in studying foreign languages - as well as fostering international relations.
Part of the draw in studying abroad is immersing oneself in the language. Living in a place where the language a student may study is predominant affords ample opportunities for practice. In such an environment, the student's language skills can develop further since using the language becomes a daily necessity. For me, a three month stay in China has smoothed out my Chinese quite a bit, and I also developed the all-important habit of speaking with confidence. Even now, I find myself slipping into Chinese every so often.
A reason for this increasing interest in foreign languages could be the prevalence of a particular language's use, especially in the era of global politics. For example, the Chinese language has shot up in popularity, particularly among business students, since China's place in the business world and its importance in foreign affairs has risen in recent years. Additionally, Mandarin Chinese is one of the most spoken languages in the world with 885 million speakers; Spanish and English each have 332 million (according to Ethnologue). The influx of students studying a foreign language demonstrates an increasing interest in international communication, which helps to bridge gaps between different cultures. Considering how diverse the population is, being able to communicate in other languages is an asset.
Of course, even without studying a foreign language one can still benefit from the experience of staying abroad, namely through immersing oneself in the culture. This fosters comprehension of and sensitivity to cultures other than one's own. Additionally, this experience can open one's eyes to ingrained perceptions, habits and biases that one may have previously been unaware of. As a result, one can better navigate the complexities of a culture different than one's own - and sometimes even one's own culture. Staying in China has definitely improved my understanding of Chinese culture and their way of life.
Life in a foreign country can also have lasting impacts long after one returns home. I was able to develop friendships with both people in my study abroad program - the program was sponsored by Mount Holyoke, and two other Smithies also participated - and those native to the country. I also learned to be more confident and more assertive, skills that were honed through bargaining with aggressive vendors, some of whom did not initially take "no" for an answer. I became less afraid of approaching people, even when one of us knew only enough of our common language to get by. Conversations flow more freely - both in English and Chinese. In short, it does not surprise me that more and more students are choosing to spend time abroad. Academically, personally and professionally, there is no substitute for a cross-cultural experience.
Part of the draw in studying abroad is immersing oneself in the language. Living in a place where the language a student may study is predominant affords ample opportunities for practice. In such an environment, the student's language skills can develop further since using the language becomes a daily necessity. For me, a three month stay in China has smoothed out my Chinese quite a bit, and I also developed the all-important habit of speaking with confidence. Even now, I find myself slipping into Chinese every so often.
A reason for this increasing interest in foreign languages could be the prevalence of a particular language's use, especially in the era of global politics. For example, the Chinese language has shot up in popularity, particularly among business students, since China's place in the business world and its importance in foreign affairs has risen in recent years. Additionally, Mandarin Chinese is one of the most spoken languages in the world with 885 million speakers; Spanish and English each have 332 million (according to Ethnologue). The influx of students studying a foreign language demonstrates an increasing interest in international communication, which helps to bridge gaps between different cultures. Considering how diverse the population is, being able to communicate in other languages is an asset.
Of course, even without studying a foreign language one can still benefit from the experience of staying abroad, namely through immersing oneself in the culture. This fosters comprehension of and sensitivity to cultures other than one's own. Additionally, this experience can open one's eyes to ingrained perceptions, habits and biases that one may have previously been unaware of. As a result, one can better navigate the complexities of a culture different than one's own - and sometimes even one's own culture. Staying in China has definitely improved my understanding of Chinese culture and their way of life.
Life in a foreign country can also have lasting impacts long after one returns home. I was able to develop friendships with both people in my study abroad program - the program was sponsored by Mount Holyoke, and two other Smithies also participated - and those native to the country. I also learned to be more confident and more assertive, skills that were honed through bargaining with aggressive vendors, some of whom did not initially take "no" for an answer. I became less afraid of approaching people, even when one of us knew only enough of our common language to get by. Conversations flow more freely - both in English and Chinese. In short, it does not surprise me that more and more students are choosing to spend time abroad. Academically, personally and professionally, there is no substitute for a cross-cultural experience.
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