Study Abroad Trend

This week I have been looking at the trend of studying abroad! Unfortunately during my college career I did not have the time to take advantage of studying abroad programs, but according to students who have studied abroad it is nothing but one good experience after the other. Studying abroad has been gaining popularity over the past few years. An independent non-profit organization, Institute of International Education, which is among the world’s largest and most experienced international education and training organizations, has conducted research that concludes that more students are choosing to study abroad.  According to IIE in the year 2012 the number of study abroad students increased by 9.8 percent and is at a record high number of 283, 332 student in one calendar year. Their research also shows that 86 percent of those students studied abroad during their time as an undergraduate. Ana Vintimilla is a Salisbury University international student from Cuenca, Ecuador who works as an international program advisor with CEDEI International Programs.

The New Cathedral of Cuenca
Photo via backpackers.com

She says that winter and summer semesters are usually their busiest time of year.  With 59 percent of students studying abroad short term IIE research confirms that short term sessions, sessions taking eight weeks or less (usually in winter or summer) are the most popular time to study abroad.  Next are mid-length sessions with 38 percent of students spending either, one or two quarters, or a whole semester abroad.  Where should you travel if you’re planning on studying abroad? Well leading destinations include the United Kingdom and Italy as the top two countries followed by Spain and France.

Photo of NYC taken by Ana Vintimilla
Photo via Ana Vintimilla

Vintimilla with one of
her groups in Cuenca, Ecuador
Photo via Ana Vintimilla

When she chose to study in America, Vintimilla said it was to follow her passions in music. "I wanted to follow my dreams", says Vintimilla, "I was studying something that in my country was not really available at the time, which was music, so I wanted to come to do something better with that". Money can be a factor when deciding whether or not to study abroad.  Vintimilla says that there is no better way to spend your money, "If it's about money, there is one thing I gotta say. There is no better money spent than studying.  Studying abroad is bigger, studying abroad is something really cool. You get to learn and see inside from a different culture". Vintimilla explains that by studying abroad in America she not only has learned new American cultures but has also educated her friends with her own culture. When coming to America she says that "people who have no idea where your from they are willing to know you and give you the chance to know their culture but at the same time as we start growing together then they start to get interested in knowing my culture too". Traveling and living in another country for an extended time can be intimidating but Vintimilla encourages other students to take advantage of these opportunities, saying "its an experience you'll never forget". I had a chance to talk with the Education Abroad Advisor at Salisbury University, Noel Habashy, to learn more about the study abroad programs offered at the university. Habashy says that there are a total of 198 international students at Salisbury University. he also explains that studying abroad can be great experiences for students. Students can gain knowledge about their "own culture and understanding of other cultures and understanding of culture in a workplace environment. It helps people really with this perspective of taking the blinders off and realizing that there is a big, bright, beautiful world out there, and we live in a significant part of this world, but it's just a part.  There are other parts of the world where things are going on and it can be very appealing to employers by putting something on your resume". Salisbury University offers an English Language Institute where "students come here as full time SU students to study English and then continue their education at SU or other universities within the United States, so it's kind of like a toe in the door to come and study in the United States and based on that the numbers have grown considerably". CNN reports that there has also been an international push from the White House. First Lady Michelle Obama has been working on efforts to promote international traveling stating that “the benefits of studying abroad are almost endless. First of all, it is going to make you more marketable in the United States.” Studying abroad gives students an advantage while applying for jobs after graduation.  Michelle Obama explains “more and more companies are realizing that they need people with experience around the world.”  Studying abroad offers students numerous benefits and experiences and are encouraged to take part in these programs before they graduate, I definitily wish I had.