|

Four Reasons to Study Abroad as a College Freshman

ByCheree Liebowitz
airplane
airplane
More and more first-year college students are spending their first semester or freshman year at college studying abroad.

There are a number of reasons students decide to do this:

1. To complete “boring” core requirements in an exciting setting. 

For students eager to start their major, freshman year may be a good time to earn general education credits or to complete core curriculum courses abroad.  These programs abroad are a great opportunity to get foundational math and chemistry over with while exploring a new country.

Studying abroad can also hone your foreign language skills and satisfy foreign language requirements. Talking to real people is much more fun than language lab.

2. To experience life abroad.
By living in another country, students get a chance to meet new people and explore a new culture.  Miles from home, they get a deep understanding of a new country, as well as a better sense of the greater global community. Knowing more about the world around you can put you ahead when it comes to analyzing problems within a global context.  Studying abroad will also set you apart when applying for internships and jobs.

Students who study abroad also often form a strong community. Overseas in a foreign country, students depend on one another for support.  Coming back to campus, they have a built-in network of close friends to launch their stateside experience.

3. To start their college career on time.

Schools like Florida State University offer some students admission for Spring and not for Fall. Students who are ready to begin FSU earlier can become a ‘Nole sooner by studying abroad during the Fall semester.  Alternatively, if you are a Spring admit to a school or a program like University of Florida’s Innovation Academy, studying abroad is a great way to gain credits for college while you’re not enrolled on the school’s main campus.  Take your core requirements in an exotic environment and complete courses for your major on campus.

3. To take a break.

It’s not a stretch of the imagination to think of study abroad as a “gap year” of sorts, a good break between high school and full immersion in college. Australia, Greece, France, Italy and England are only some of the countries where schools offer programs. However, freshmen need to know it can be hard to resist seeing time overseas as a vacation. Study abroad is about attending school and doing well. Grades count whether you’re in France, Spain, Michigan, Indiana or Miami.

Schools which offer study abroad programs designed for first-year students include, but are not limited to: Colby College, Florida State University, Hamilton College, Marist College, Michigan State University, New York University, Northeastern University, Skidmore College, Syracuse University, University of Maryland, University of New Haven, and University of Virginia.

For more information on studying abroad as a freshman or with any or all parts of the college admissions process, visit www.internationalcollegecounselors.com or call 1-954 414-9986.