Assignment #3: Benefits of Studying Abroad

Recap: Benefits of Studying Abroad from Student Perspectives

While attending a university with nearly 300 unique and nationally-recognized study abroad programs, who wouldn’t want to take advantage of this opportunity and travel to a different country?

Michigan State University students who have participated in a study abroad program said their experiences have helped them to acquire and strengthen numerous transferable skills, while providing them with a global perspective that has enhanced their education.

MSU senior Logan O’Neil said problem-solving skills, time management, and versatility were among the main abilities that she strengthened while on her four-week program to the United Kingdom in 2012.

“I definitely feel more comfortable with change and adapting to unfamiliar situations,” said O’Neil.

While in Costa Rica, MSU junior Bronson Herman said he taught at the local high school where he made several presentations in Spanish, which significantly improved his public speaking skills.

“Giving presentations in English just seems like a breeze now,” he said.

Other than strengthening certain skills, Herman said traveling to a different country allowed him to observe the world from a different viewpoint.

“I’m more motivated to discuss issues abroad, rather than just domestic issues,” he said. “Seeing how influential the U.S. is on different countries is really eye-opening.”

O’Neil shares this sentiment and said she is always finding ways to draw on what she learned in order to keep her study abroad experience relevant in her everyday life.  

“Having an understanding that the world is so much larger than just the small town you’re from sounds so cliché, but once you go and experience it, there’s really nothing quite like it,” she said.