Studying Abroad has Benefited International Students in Today’s Globalized World

Recent years, under the rapid globalization phenomenon, studying abroad has gained significant momentum. Globalization is the process by which businesses or other organizations gain international clout or begin to operate on a global scale. As a result, a more advanced education and worldview are required to comprehend this phenomenon, which makes studying abroad possible for students. Some claim that studying abroad is a waste of money, however, as an international student from Taiwan who traveled all the way here to study in the United States, I disagree with that. Studying abroad benefits all students in today's globalized world. In the following blog, I will explain how studying abroad is linked to globalization and list some of the benefits, drawing on my own experience.

Globalization and studying abroad are inextricably linked. Because our world is becoming more interconnected, a basic global mindset is required regardless of career field. Intercultural experiences will be had by team members, leaders, or customers in almost any large company or other organization, in any role. Working with openness and comfort in these environments is a valuable skill that provides a competitive advantage in today's fast-paced and complex international business world. “According to the study, 64% of employers consider international experience as important for recruiting, reporting that graduates with an international background receive greater professional responsibility more often.” (Santiago 2) (Shown in figure 1) To be a successful leader, it is crucial to have a global mindset and, as a result, study abroad benefits all future leaders.

Figure 1: International experience benefited student in future career opportunities

Under today's globalized economy, learning a second language increases your chances of getting a job or advancing in your career. Students who study abroad have the opportunity to learn or improve their command of a foreign language. The best way to learn a language is to use it in everyday situations, and studying abroad allows you to completely immerse yourself in a new language, which is the best way to learn.  Employees who can communicate in a foreign language are usually paid more than their monolingual counterparts. (Shown in figure 2) According to a study, “speaking a second language can increase your salary by 11% to 35%, depending on the language and the country you live in.” (“Five Reasons Why Learning a Language Can Boost Your Employability.” 1) I could barely speak Chinese when my family first moved to Taiwan; I could understand it but not speak it fluently. I'm always embarrassed to speak with my Cantonese accent. But after a year, I was fluent, and I can now speak Taiwanese. We can easily learn a language once we've immersed ourselves in it.

Figure 2: Because the business world is globally interconnected, a second language is in high demand.

Studying abroad exposes students to a variety of cultures, educational systems, and lifestyles. You may be able to see a side of the content of what you're learning that you would not have seen at home. It exposes students to various lifestyles while also encouraging understanding and tolerance. Increasing your cultural awareness allows you to interact with those around you in more meaningful ways (Shown in figure 3). You're honing your empathy and respect for others while also celebrating your similarities and differences. From elementary to postgraduate education, global engagement and exposure can have a significant impact on a student's life. According to studies, students who study abroad have higher grades, less attrition, and graduate from college at a higher rate than students who do not study abroad.

Figure 3: Cultural Competence is an important skill set for the 21st century

However, studying abroad can be challenging, and some may consider it a waste of money. Overcoming the language barrier is probably the most noticeable of the challenges of studying abroad. Even though I've been learning English since kindergarten, I always feel like my English isn't good enough and am afraid to talk to people in English. Sometimes I don't always understand slang phrases, and it takes some time for me to feel comfortable speaking in English. Cultural differences are also a source of challenges for international students. Having to pay tips, small talk in elevators, and asking strangers how they're doing, etc... These are all new to me. I remember having to order my first meal here in the US not knowing how to order a hot dog with all the different toppings and whether or not to tip (Shown in figure 4). Growing up in a different culture can make it difficult to share common interests with other Americans, and the cultural differences can make you feel like an outsider. I must admit that traveling all the way here without my parents to study is difficult; it is especially difficult at first when I am all alone facing these challenges. However, in these two and a half months, I learned a lot and am glad I chose to attend college here. I saw and experienced many new things and learned to be independent without my parents. My English has greatly improved, and most importantly, I have enjoyed my time here meeting new people and experiencing this new culture, as well as gaining a new worldview. 

Figure 4: My first meal here in the US nervous to order in English and unsure whether or not to tip...

To sum up, studying abroad was well worth the time and money, and I am confident that my four years here will benefit me greatly in my future career and make me a better person. Again, the economy is globally linked in today's globalized world. Studying abroad exposes students to a new worldview and global mindset, which is essential for future careers in any field. As a result, I can confidently state that studying abroad benefited every international student.

CITATION

“10 Benefits to Studying Abroad: Study Abroad Guide.” International Student, https://www.internationalstudent.com/study-abroad/guide/ten-benefits-to-studying-abroad/.

“Five Reasons Why Learning a Language Can Boost Your Employability.” EURES, 22 June 2021, https://eures.ec.europa.eu/five-reasons-why-learning-language-can-boost-your-employability-2021-06-22_en.

“Impact of Globalization on Studying Abroad: Why Study Abroad?” Why Study Abroad, https://rampages.us/whystudyabroad/impact-of-globalization-on-studying-abroad/.

José Santiago, “Why Studying Abroad Could Help You Get Hired.” World Economic Forum, https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2015/11/study-abroad-get-hired/.