Globalization and Development of Study Abroad: Importance of Adults Studying/Working Abroad in the Twenty-First Century

Have you ever been to a college graduation where you see students wearing special sashes for study abroad? For example, when I graduate this May 2012, I will receive a sash with green and white stripes with the Wales flag embedded at the bottom. I have been attending Arcadia's graduation ceremonies online and in person since my freshman year of college. Last year, my parents and I attended graduate commencement for one of my friends and they said, "I wish that I was able to study abroad like these students and receive recognition for the achievement."

My next question to you: for those of you that are working adults, have you ever thought about studying abroad? Maybe not a year, not even a semester, what about summer or 1-2 weeks? Short-term study abroad opportunities are well-suitable for those that really want that cross-cultural experience while working and/or studying in a different environment than home. One of my favorite institutions for study abroad for all ages is Education First.

Education First encourages prospective students, young to mature, to study abroad from a few weeks to a year in many countries. Mainly for corporate students that want to gain second language skills and communication in business and corporate environments, the Customized Language Courses program enhances learning inside and outside the classroom. Their method is to personalize the education of students in contrast with job-specific industry's needs. For example, I can travel to Beijing, China to learn Mandarin Business Chinese since my career would be in international business. Program options provide flexibility to each candidate within the programs.

On the contrary, I can enjoy the sandy beaches of Spain and enjoy my summer whilst learning Spanish for a short period of time. As mentioned previously, Education First provides flexibility in terms of duration of program and innovating language learning in order to increase students' knowledge in culture, language, geography, etc. in the twenty-first century.

As much as I'd like to talk about Education First, other programs offer service-learning whilst educating outside the classroom experinces. We can take into consideration that family commitments has been increasing and will always increase. The experience of having study and/or work abroad is invaluable in today's society.

On the contrary, financial problems may occur since currencies are different, but it is always important to plan ahead such as drafting emergency loans from home. In other words, if you were to run out of money, would your family back home still have money to send over to you to support yourself?

Why is study abroad important, especially for working adults?
The answer to this question lies in the hands of those that are willing to take on the journey and meet diverse people than their home environment as well as making amends at home. Although I am not a working adult, I studied abroad in Spring 2011 at Bangor University in northern Wales. I had difficulty keeping in touch from traveling, studying, and cooking food everyday, but still managed to do so. Nothing was perfect, but living abroad, I adapted to a new environment and called it my second home.

 Those that have found study and/or work abroad exciting, has something unique to indicate about their host culture. Some might say that he/she can aquire the same experiences at home whilst moving to another part of the US to expose themselves in another culture. True, but the difference between exposure in the host country to traveling to another is direct, cultural immersion. Instead of talking to British residents in the United States, I had a chance to converse with English, Scottish, Welsh, Irish, and Northern Irish residents in Britain and Ireland. One of the cultural similarities I found fascinating was the voices of the average British resident conversing in McDonald's restaurants about education, facebook, twitter, tourism, and other everyday topics that we would hear about in America.

To date, I know in my heart that every human being is unique and has and will have different experiences, but below all of that we are all human and created equal with equal opportunities. Take advantage and explore areas of the world that go beyond imagination. The experience maybe life-changing, it will also make you a competitive person in the current job-market where there are demands of cross-cultural communication skills and immersion experiences.