Traveling is popular among Millennials and other generations. Although some may struggle to make their dreams of travel come true, there are other ways to experience the world.
International study abroad is one solution to fulfill dreams of travel. Additionally, the experience can help you develop the soft skills that are highly sought after by today’s employers.
All kinds of students travel abroad to learn. Some even make the trip solo. Most are sprightly undergraduates, and many international students from the United States choose Europe as their destination. In addition, a significant segment of them travel to study STEM disciplines.
Currently, the nation’s educators are working to increase the diversity of the student body that travels overseas to learn. Despite these efforts, however, few students follow through with their dreams of international studies, making the experience a bona fide resume booster when it comes time to compete in the workplace.
Traveling Is Accessible for Everyone
Despite the small number of students who actually get to learn overseas, anyone can find meaningful ways to do this, whether they’re fresh high school graduates, college graduates or nontraditional students. In fact, there’s an increasing interest among educators in promoting international studies among non-traditional learners — a growing part of the nation’s college and university student body.
By leveraging technology and creativity, academic leaders are trying to promote this opportunity among the rapidly expanding group.
The student advocates are calling for organizations that offer international learning experiences to promote the opportunities in a way that relates more to this growing segment of learners. Part of the solution for encouraging college students to pursue international studies lies in painting the experience as more than an additional, extracurricular expense.
With equality issues on the rise, some universities are trying to angle the experience as a research opportunity. Students taking this approach would go and study at countries like Czech Republic or Denmark where equality issues have been a major focus. The goal with this approach is for students to then come back and note how America can improve their equality efforts.
Find Work, Study or Intern Opportunities Abroad
There are many different types of programs in different areas that offer benefits for travelers. Some even pay your room, board, and other expenses.
Some students must experience their international learning adventure as a working vacation. All students who must work during their experience must obtain a work visa from the country that they plan to visit.
The organizations that sponsor international learning experiences typically aid with attaining this documentation, as well as finding and securing employment and connecting learners with other host organizations that will provide aid during their stay. For example, my cousin recently got back from studying abroad in Italy. She went through API and had no issues connecting with the necessary housing or learning organizations once in Italy.
International student exchange internship programs offer year-round opportunities through collegiate partnerships. They allow students to live and work overseas while gaining invaluable experiences that will enrich them personally, professionally and sometimes financially.
Interested in learning more about traveling, studying or working abroad? Check out these resources:
Stay Open-Minded and Seek Travel Tips Online
When planning your trip, you should research hostels diligently and keep an open mind about available accommodations. There are very few hostel accommodations that will meet your every desire, so a spirit of compromise is essential during your search.
You should also research a few points of interest, but don’t plan every minute of your free time. Leave room for spontaneity. You want time to let your mind wander and explore your surroundings.
Also, during your exploration, don’t be an introvert. You’ll be in the midst of a once-in-a-lifetime, amazing opportunity. Take advantage of it by meeting new people, locals and other international travelers to expand your mind and horizons. You might make a lifelong friend or professional connection.
Plan Your Budget and Save Before You Take off to Travel
Studying abroad can be expensive. However, you don’t have to spend every penny that you have during your experience. You can keep your finances in good shape by saving and creating a realistic budget ahead of time.
To help international student hopefuls plan their finances, online resources such as GoOverseas.com offers planning guides to aid in the process. Their ” Half the Luggage, Double the Money ” guide is available online for free. As an aside, remember to have your credit in order before you depart so that you have a safety cushion for emergencies during your international learning excursion.
Learn About Travel Perks and Nontraditional Ways to Get Abroad
To make the dream of international study a reality, many students will have to find deals and opportunities. If this is your situation, you must be proactive and willing to look for and ask for budgeting advice and guidance.
You’ll be surprised by how many people are willing to help. With persistence and a healthy helping of politeness, you’ll find that many individuals are willing to help.
International learning programs are an exciting opportunity to temporarily learn and live in another land. For many, this will be their first time traveling to another country. For these individuals, this new experience will change their perspective on the world. They’ll have the opportunity to meet people in real life who live in places that they’ve only seen on TV and in the movies.
Anyone can create ways to make travel affordable and possible. With research and an open mind, you can find a great way to explore and have adventures!
