Studying Abroad: Its History and Aspects

Studying abroad is considered by many “ A once in a lifetime extravagant experience”. This experience is thrilling as students take the first step into a new journey. This first step isn’t just about going to university, but also the first step towards adulthood, independence, and most importantly a step into the of discovering one’s true self and purpose. Even though Studying abroad could lead to home sickness and cultural shock, Students should still consider the idea as it can help in interacting with various cultures, learning new languages and improve paving oneself’s path in life.

Studying abroad sounds like a very modern day term, whilst, international studies ( As it was called primarily ) have been initiated back in the17th century. In 1792, French educator Marc-Antoine Jullien wrote to Louis XVI, demanding the creation of a worldwide commission on education composed of educational associations from the various European states. Jullien believed that it would be lucrative in the aspects of cultivating peace among states and nations, as well as an exploit on an opportunity to increase and grow mutual trust and contribute ideas among educators. In the mid-19th century, Jullien's ambitions became real. Representatives from the Germany, The United Stated, England, and France met in London to design a plan for a permanent organization responsible for managing international education, in which was fully established in 1876.

Moving forward in the timeline, study abroad programs continued with significant growth, these programs only started developing more and more in the 1980’s and early 1990’s as technology became more renovated, stronger infrastructures, broader communication and an ever-rising emphasis on tourism ( Lee, M. 2012 ). Due to this constant growth provided assortment in the activities available to all students whom study abroad, that in fact, resolved in producing a wider selection of classes in assorted fields, potentiality for lab work, internships, humanitarian relief efforts and many more options to choose from (Harvard University, n.d.). Therefore, the sum of students whom commissioned to studying abroad programs grew from 71 thousand in 1990 to 283 thousand in 2012.

There are so many different aspects to studying abroad, for instance, being exposed to a different culture, environmental benefits and finding new interests. These aspects make you more complete, Not just with your academic level but furthermore, with your human experience. As former First Lady Michelle Obama said during her visit at the Stanford Center at Peking University on the importance of studying abroad addressing American and Chinese students said “ Studying abroad isn’t just a fun way to spend a semester, it is quickly becoming the key to success in our global economy’’. A student should have experience with the world beyond their borders,

After going through the experience of international studying, the person who’s gone through this experience goes back to their country feeling more self-motivated and self-initiative.