If I had a time travel machine I might scoot myself back to my first year at university and go hunting for some study abroad options. I literally don’t remember learning about any study abroad schemes back then – I’m sure they existed, but they certainly weren’t as abundant as they are these days (well, at least in non-Covid times).
There are so many wonderful benefits to study abroad programs – perhaps because they’re so closely connected to universities, a lot of research has been done on the benefits and it demonstrates there are innumerable benefits, far beyond what we might imagine. It’s something I will definitely be encouraging my son to do when he reaches that age (which seems to be rapidly approaching!).
Show notes: Episode 233 of The Thoughtful Travel Podcast
Studying Abroad
Opportunities for university or college students to study abroad – during non-Covid times, of course – are very special. While I didn’t get an opportunity to study abroad for any part of my university education, it’s something I definitely want to encourage my son to do and putting together Episode 233 of The Thoughtful Travel Podcast reminded me of many reasons why.
First up, I chat with Jennifer Johnston who spent time in the United States studying abroad as part of her Australia-based university degree. She speaks of many of the advantages of study abroad programs and the huge changes they can make in the students who take them.
I then speak with Tinsley Rios about her shorter study abroad experience in Peru – a reminder that it doesn’t need to be a long program to have a lasting impact.
Finally, Patti Buff tells me about her experiences as a college exchange student in Dublin, Ireland – and we chat about some of the many extra-curricular parts of being on a study abroad program which are just as valuable as any time in the lecture hall.
Links:
- Jennifer Johnston – Travel Bug Within
- Tinsley – Travel with Tinsley
- Patti Buff
- Join our Facebook group for Thoughtful Travellers
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