If you have considered studying abroad, but you aren't sure whether it's worth the time or the money, ask anyone who has been on a program to tell you it is well worth it! The experience of studying/living abroad in a foreign country, as opposed to that of being a tourist, will be of tremendous value to you from every point of view.

You will grow culturally, linguistically, personally, intellectually, and spiritually.  You will have the chance to go beyond sightseeing, and become acquainted with another country, another culture, and other fascinating people. Study abroad will give you an experience that a classroom setting will never do. You will have the opportunity to learn about the country and the people firsthand, while you are immersed in the language and the culture. You will gain new friendships on a global scale, and it will surely expand your world view.

When you complete your study abroad experience, you will return to the U.S. with a stronger sense of purpose, with a clearer idea of what it means to be an "American," and with new perceptions of yourself and the world.

It will greatly enhance your employment opportunities, especially if you learned to speak a foreign language. In today's global marketplace, foreign language and cross-cultural communication skills are key to getting ahead. This experience will allow you to see, from a cultural perspective, that there is no "right" or "wrong" way of doing business. What's important is understanding who you are doing business with and what their cultural value system and beliefs are. This will allow you to connect to many people, in countless circumstances.

Depending upon your academic and career goals, this might be your only opportunity to study outside of the U.S., so cherish those days when you meet new friends, develop new perspectives, or when the rich history and culture of the city overwhelm you and you find yourself gazing at magnificent landscapes that you never dreamed existed. 

Expand your Horizons; Enjoy the Journey.