Last semester, I embarked on a transformative journey to Vienna. While I was unaware at the time, the four months that I spent abroad was the greatest experience of my life. Although I knew that studying abroad would be beneficial, I was surprised by the immense impact it had on me. I had heard amazing things about studying abroad and was keen on improving my German, so I chose Vienna as my destination. While studying abroad may not always be the picture-perfect experience portrayed on social media, the journey is full of adventure and unknowns. Therefore, I believe that every student should consider their own study-abroad journey, due to the numerous academic, career and personal benefits.

The greatest benefit of studying abroad is personal growth. Living and studying in a new country forces you out of your comfort zone and requires you to adapt to unfamiliar surroundings. The adjustment period involves navigating a new culture, language and way of life which can help you become more adaptable, confident and independent as you develop new habits. There is also the sense of accomplishment that comes with successfully adjusting to a new lifestyle, especially when using the local language or learning new customs. It also increases maturity—a statement supported by an Institute for the International Education of Students alumni survey in which 97% of respondents agreed with it.

Studying abroad also enhances a student’s academic experience by exposing them to different perspectives and unique classes. In that same survey, 87% of alumni stated that studying abroad influenced their future educational decisions. By attending classes at a new university, you will gain access to new and different ideas, resources and connections. Some classes are also more immersive, such as my Viennese history class, where we learned about the local history and took weekly field trips to sites that we had learned about. These new perspectives and classes are essential, as it helps you become a more well-rounded student and provides opportunities to learn or improve foreign language skills.

The skills acquired while studying abroad can also improve students’ job prospects. According to the University of California, Merced, 97% of study-abroad alumni were employed 12 months after graduation compared to the national average of 49%. Additionally, studying abroad can help students expand their professional network, with several programs offering internship opportunities. Regardless of the availability of internships, the experiences and skills obtained during study abroad can be tremendously beneficial for your future career. Immersing yourself in a foreign culture also fosters a better understanding of cultural differences and challenges stereotypes. In a globalized society, gaining a broader perspective on life outside the U.S. is crucial, and works in tandem with newly acquired skills that interest future employers. Studying abroad also improves communication skills through interactions with new cultures and languages.

While studying abroad offers numerous benefits, it also presents challenges with respect to course requirements, financial concerns, culture shock and homesickness. However, there are solutions that can help overcome these problems. Course requirements can sometimes be met through programs focused on specific fields or majors and can provide opportunities not available at Case Western Reserve University. Financial obstacles can be remedied through study-abroad scholarships, such as the Gilman-McCain Scholarship, which awards up to $5,000 to recipients. The CWRU Office of Education Abroad also offers scholarships to help alleviate financial burdens and, in some cases, programs may also have lower tuition and housing costs, making study-abroad a feasible option.

Among these challenges, though, homesickness and culture shock can be the most difficult to overcome. It is important to note that homesickness and culture shock are normal and vary in intensity among students. In addition to building up a routine and familiarizing yourself with your new surroundings, it is important to maintain communication with friends and family back home and create new connections while abroad. Furthermore, students can take advantage of resources provided by their program to help tackle these challenges.

Overall, studying abroad should be an integral component of the American educational experience, as it promotes personal growth and global awareness. The study-abroad experience is unique and full of unknowns, which makes it a worthwhile journey for every student.