Colleges and universities should require the students to spend at least one semester studying in a foreign country.

A solid foundation in education is one of the prerequisites for the socioeconomic development of a nation. We are constantly trying to revamp our educational process to make it better and more meaningful for the students. Some argue that colleges and universities should require the students to spend at least one semester studying in a foreign country. A semester abroad, for sure have several benefits, but I do not think that this should be made mandatory  as part of our higher education.

Despite our world shrinking into a global village, there are significant differences among the lifestyle, languages and cultures of various societies. Exposure to a different culture, as we would experience during one’s studies abroad, would help us to widen our horizons. Students would gain a better perspective regarding the differences between their country and the foreign nation. The first hand experience they gain by directly mingling with the indigenous people, getting immersed in a different language and culture, adjusting to a different social mores is invaluable. There might be nothing better for someone learning a second language other than learning it from the native speakers, living in their country, constantly using the language. Anthropology students can gain an indepth understanding of their subjects  by directly interacting with them. Public health focusing on global health can explore the challenges the developing world faces, and try to develop better plans and projects  tailoring to the needs in a resource limited setting. Business students can work on ways to win in the global market place, where boundaries are being blurred,  if they are more accustomed to the nuances of the way business process works in a different country.

Are there different strategies that would help the students reap the benefits of a semester spent abroad in a  foreign country ? With the advances in science and technology, we do have several options. The internet is an excellent source. People across the globe can interact with so much ease at a very minimal cost. One could indeed have a virtual tour of another country through the videos and images obtained free through the net. In addition to the internet,  resources like movies,  documentaries and books, all help us to gain the benefits of a study abroad program to a certain extent. These would be more flexible options for gaining experience and can be pursued any time, and are quite inexpensive.

In summary, I believe that there are several  advantages to a study abroad program and students could be encouraged to pursue them as part of their education. However these  programs need not be made mandatory, and based on students known preferences , funding constraints, flexibility  and other limitations, they may be offered other options to gain the benefits of such programs.