When most people think of foreign study, the classroom aspect is a mere formality. Academic adventures are overshadowed by Absinthe and Amsterdam; movies like Euro Trip and Beerfest become the hallmark of an overseas experience. Before coming to study in Germany for a semester, I worried more about whether my class times would interfere with my inevitable hangovers than I did about my scholastic performance. I realized upon arriving, however, that Europe is not actually just a booze-soaked adult playground, and textbooks are perhaps the smallest aspect of learning while studying abroad.
Life in the classroom in Germany is not vastly different than it is in the States. I can’t speak for other study abroad programs, but yes, my American peers and I attend almost every class, do the daily homework, take weekly tests, and are generally concerned about our GPAs. If anything, my attendance and study habits have improved because there are only four students in my daily German language class. Each of the courses I’m taking here is also offered at my home university. In my study abroad program, I am earning four semester’s worth of language credits in only one, probably the largest item on the plus side of my mental Pros and Cons list before coming. It’s intensive, to say the least, but what I learn in the classroom pales in comparison to the wisdom I like to think I’ve gained outside of it.
I’ve survived one of the worst German winters on record, completed multiple transactions with only hand gestures and pleading eyes, gotten used to be stared at for looking, acting, and speaking differently, mastered public transportation, taken last-minute trips to other countries with only a change of clothes and my camera, and quite simply grown up. Coming abroad has thrust me out of every comfort zone I’d ever built for myself, it’s challenged any preconceived notions I had about unknown people and places. To say living alone in a foreign country has opened my mind is a gross understatement. I am 100% more tolerant of differences in others, more prone to realize I need help and ask for it, more confident and sure of myself as an adult, more thankful for the luxuries I have at home, and more appreciative of the relationships with my family and friends.
Yes, German beer is great and I’ve been to a coffee shop in the Netherlands. Foreign countries aren’t automatically glamorous, and there are days I’m bored and just want to watch movies in my room. While there have been many times that make me long for the familiarity of home, I’ve never once questioned my decision to study abroad. While foreign study is not for everyone, my time here has dispelled the rumor that those who do it are only looking for an extended vacation. Not only do I have 17 credit hours toward my degree, I have an amazing life experience that’s taught me far more about the rest of the world than I could ever get from reading any book at my home university.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Andreana Drencheva. Andreana Drencheva said: The benefit of study abroad programs for #GenY on #tngg via @brittneyw http://ht.ly/1FeX8 [...]
Brittney,
I couldn't agree more. Although I am on a permanent study abroad program, so to speak, and my experience has been slighly different, study abroad has so many benefits: you become more independent, learn so much about different places, improve your language skills, become more tolerant toward others, learn more about yourself, meet interesting people from all around the world and it is tons of fun. I read an article about the fact that living abroad also increases creativity
I think that many don’t realize all these benefits. And there is still the stigma that most students who study abroad just go to Europe to drink and that is definitely not the case. Yes, it is fun, but there is a lot of formal and informal studying happenning too!
I personally haven't studied abroad. However, one of my best friends just got back from a 3 month program where students live in the Netherlands and travel all over Europe on the weekends. She got to see things I have only dreamed of and have experience that I'm incredibly jealous of. There is something to be said for studying abroad. It changed you and makes you grow up. I don't think I'll ever study in Europe during the rest of my time at college, but I can understand why those programs are so appealing to students.
I did a short term study abroad program which is traveling for two weeks with a class of about 25 students. It counted as a literature class and we studied Greek mythology. It was the best experience of my college career to say the least. I got to see places that I had only dreamed about. Not only did I come home with great pictures (about 1500!!) but I have a deeper understanding of Greek culture and a new found love of traveling and wanting to see more of the world.
[...] she has much more anxiety about going home then when coming to Europe. (Oh, feel free to read this about the study abroad experience, something I contributed to The Next Great Generation’s [...]
Brittney,
I studied aboard in Germany as well (Cologne to be exact) fall term 2007 of my senior year. My only regret was not doing it sooner. It messed up some of my schedule planning and concentration requirements. But it was well worth the wait and money involved.
My classes were informative and highly engaging. We were also lucky enough to have a program coordinator that loved the city and took us on some many wonderful tours. Through the program itself I we took trips to Maastricht and Berlin.
On the weekends we tried to travel as much as we could. We went to so many places around Europe and I really learned some new things about myself. I still keep in touch with my host family. And I've been dying to return to Germany ever since.
Thanks for a wonderful post.