The benefits of studying abroad cannot be underestimated. There is
no downside to studying abroad and the upside is huge. From learning a
new language to gaining a better understanding of world politics,
studying abroad can make you a far more desirable hire to potential
employers. If the person interviewing you also studied abroad, it can
be the key to making that connection with them that sets you apart from
the others. Here are four things that you will learn abroad that will set you apart from your classmates who don't study overseas. 1. You will learn and understand a new culture Doing
business with someone is always tricky, but doing it with a person or
company in a different country is even more difficult. In some
cultures, people say exactly what they are thinking. For instance, if
you went abroad to a meeting and someone said, "John, nice to see you.
You look much fatter than the last time I saw you," as an American you
would be greatly offended. However, if you understood the culture and
knew that the comment was meant as an observation and not an insult, it
would be easier to laugh off. Without an understanding of that culture,
the whole business relationship could be ruined. 2. You will have a better understand of foreign politics Not
only will you gain a better understanding of the general politics of a
country, but you'll understand the bureaucracy as well. If your company
needs to get something done overseas and you know how to work through
the system, you will be that much more valuable to your employer. 3. You will learn a new language faster than taking a class Your
average language class meets for 45 hours per semester. Your average
day abroad involves 16 hours per day of immersion in a new language.
So, in 3 days abroad you hear and are immersed in a language more than
you are in a class for an entire semester! It is also much easier to
learn a language when it is being used in normal day-to-day situations.
Sure, you can learn the basics by reading a textbook or listening to a
teacher, but nothing will make you understand a language better than
being immersed in it. 4. You will learn to be flexible and patient The
two things that everyone who studies abroad learns to master are
flexibility and patience. Not everyone in the world eats dinner at 6pm,
or has hot water all day long, or has a dryer. So, you learn to adapt
and be flexible in your new situation. Part of this adaptation involves
a fairly high level of patience, as in the U.S. you would probably be
pretty upset if you didn't have hot water! Employees who are flexible
and patient are a blessing to every boss. There's nothing a manager
hates more than an employee who can't easily switch gears or sit back
and wait. Remember that studying abroad not only increases your
value as a potential asset to your future employers, but expands your
view on the world as well. If you are interested in studying abroad I
would recommend visiting http://www.academicstudies.com. This well
established professional organization can help ensure that you have
safest, unforgettable yet affordable study abroad experience. Lee
Frankel is Director of Academic Studies Abroad, a study abroad provider
with programs in five different countries. He has traveled to over 25
countries and travels across the U.S. speaking with college students
interested in studying abroad. Do you have questions about study abroad
programs? Visit AcademicStudies.com to learn about our various study abroad programs or email us at lee@academicstudies.com
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