The phenomenon known as globalization has increased exponentially in the past years. The rise of interconnectedness of people between countries is evident and continuously cultivating foreign relationships. With this rapid evolution towards “a world of state interdependence,” it is imperative that people embrace the opportunities to be a citizen of the world. College students have this opportunity to become global citizens through study abroad programs. While some claim study abroad programs are overwhelmingly expensive and offer minimal academic rigor, it is crucial the University and colleges across the United States take strides to tremendously increase the number of Americans who study abroad in our increasingly interconnected world.
When we go overseas, we inevitably burst our comfort bubble, allowing ourselves to begin to acquire a global perspective and learn from one another’s cultures. Michelle Obama, the leader in the White House’s campaign against childhood obesity, launched an intense focus on the study abroad campaign. In an interview with a CNN reporter, Obama explains she is “always struck by the reality that we have so much more in common throughout the world, regardless of where we’re born, our race, our religious beliefs.” There is this intrinsic bond that connects every corner of the world; we just have to be willing to recognize it. These phenomenal cultural immersions and experiences are what will “keep moving this world forward.” International Education of Students, or IES, surveyed students of study abroad programs and found that 96 percent reported a definite increase in self-confidence and that 95 percent said studying abroad continues to have an impact on how they perceive the world. French novelist Marcel Proust reflected, “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeing new lands but in seeing with new eyes.” When we travel abroad, we see with new lenses, allowing us to gain a deeper understanding and develop global awareness of ideas and prospects independent of our own.
Studying abroad also gives students a definite edge in the job market. Ashley Blackmon, current market analyst in New York, spoke about her experience when interviewing for a job out of college. Interestingly enough, she explained that she spent her time in the interview talking about her globetrotting experience in Spain. Blackmon explained she left the interview feeling amazing, for she knew this experience set her apart. During her time in Spain, Blackmon “learned how to be a better businesswoman, critical thinker and relationship builder in a new culture.” While simply going abroad and spending time in another country cannot guarantee that a student will land a job, the experience equips the student with the tools necessary to forge a new path. Ashley Putnam, a fellowship director, explained that it takes more than just volunteering to go abroad: “Just having studied abroad is good, but there is a whole other aspect to what you did while you were there.” Students need to engage in their surrounding culture and go in with an involved mindset so they may bring intellectual curiosity to the table while taking a leap of faith.
Since we do live in little comfort bubbles, it is rather easy to forget about the world around us. Globetrotting brings the vastness and beauty of the world back into perspective. Thus, the government should work to remove these gender, race and class gaps, ultimately broadening the elite circles and realizing this ideal of global understanding. Sanford J. Ungar appreciates the importance of creating more mainstream study abroad programs when he says, “If overseas education remains overwhelmingly a pursuit of the white elite, it cannot realize its potential to stimulate a broad-based shift in American perceptions of, and dealings with, the larger world.” The government must work towards creating an education policy that raises global awareness of the necessity of studying overseas in our increasingly competitive and competent world. In order to grant more college students the opportunity to study abroad, the private and public sectors need to work together to provide adequate funding. Ungar suggests that “Congress should enact a new, modern counterpart to the NDEA, providing federal funding for study abroad as a critical investment in the national security of the United States.” Every single college student, regardless of his financial situation or career interests, should have the opportunity to study abroad, no questions asked.
Lucy Siegel is an Opinion columnist for The Cavalier Daily. She can be reached at l.siegel@cavalierdaily.com.
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