Why Study Abroad?

		Global Studies
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Expand your world, expand your mind! Start here, go global!	line	Why Study Abroad? Become a Globally Competent Learner Global competency exists when a learner is able to understand the interconnectedness of peoples and systems, to have a general knowledge of history and world events, to accept and cope with the existence of different cultural values and attitudes and, indeed, to celebrate the richness and benefits of this diversity. Experience of a lifetime Great resume builder Language acquisition Academic credits Real-world experience Study Confirms Significant Gains By Mary M. Dwyer, Ph.D. and Courtney K. Peters (Transitions Abroad Magazine March/April 2004) "It will change your life. You'll come back a new person.” For years, the benefits of study abroad have been described in these words. Everyone in the study abroad field believed it could greatly impact a student's life, but the exact long-term benefits were unknown—until now. (read details) It's Simple... Princeton Review "Nearly all students, returning home after time spent studying abroad, describe the experience in the same way. They refer to their study abroad experience as being, "life-changing…I learned about the world…met fantastic people…[and] tested my own capabilities…Now I can actually speak Spanish [or Italian, or French, or Japanese]…I know far more about [the world] than I did before I went…[and] I understand my own culture so much better now." How is this possible? The answer lies in the very nature of the "study abroad experience." Studying abroad has a profound an effect on how you view the world and yourself in it. It's a process that takes you out of your comfort zone and challenges you at every moment. Study abroad students will have their preconceptions tested and they'll undergo rapid change in how they perceive the world. Along the way, they'll blend the old with the new to arrive at new understandings, acquire new habits, and develop more sophisticated attitudes and beliefs. Frequently, they return home with a better idea of the direction they want to take in life."

		Start Here... Travel Anywhere! Contact Katherine Schuster, Coordinator of Global Studies, 847.376.7118, schuster@oakton.edu regarding this page and Global Studies at Oakton. Oakton Home General information about Oakton and this web site: Contact Oakton. © Copyright 2005 Oakton Community College. Last update 12/2008 Page designed by Katherine Schuster.