SEATTLE — Studying abroad is at an all-time high, and for a good reason! Studying abroad alters neural pathways and challenges one’s worldview in a way that may have not been previously acknowledged. From experiencing a new method of education to daily exposure to different cultures and populations, the impact of study abroad is everlasting. The focus on international education is steadily growing, for the Institute for International Education launched Generation Study Abroad. This campaign aims to double the number of students who study abroad by the end of the decade, while increasing diversity and accessibility to international education. According to the Institute for International Education, “International education is crucial to building relationships between people and communities in the United States and around the world. It is through these relationships that together we can solve global challenges like climate change, the spread of pandemic disease, and combatting violent extremism.” Studying abroad allows citizens of the world to fundamentally connect.
Students studying abroad have the invaluable opportunity to immerse themselves in first-hand experiences of poverty, engage in community development projects, and interact intimately with local cultures. By not only learning, but living, the true connotations of poverty and how this interacts with human life and the environment, one is able to foment an understanding of how to alleviate the suffering. These first-hand experiences not only provide legitimacy to one’s capabilities, causes, and efficiency when attempting to fight poverty on a larger scale; this experience is able to be shared and transferred across time, space, and culture. Students are also able to return to their host country after the completion of their studies to continue working on projects or attempt to further advance the region. A student from the University of Virginia described the experience as, “A small start, but I feel like I’m actually making a difference. It’s a way to create more awareness in America of the rest of the world, and awareness in the world of Americans doing something positive and unselfish.”
While the experiences of studying abroad are critical for poverty alleviation, it is also very important for students to return home after their studies.
According to the World Bank, “The return of skilled young emigrants is crucial to the development of our countries of origin. When there is mass migration of skilled youth, countries are most likely to suffer the impact of “brain drain” in critical sectors, such as education and health. Conversely, return migration of skilled youth can promote development through the new ideas, skills, networks, and financial resources that these young emigrants may have accumulated, provided there are mechanisms in place to facilitate their social and economic reintegration into their societies of origin.”
Students returning from studying abroad are positive assets for poverty reduction, job creation, economic growth, and cultural expansion. The impact of studying abroad is beneficial for the individuals involved, the home and host countries, and the creation of a global community. Through these efforts to spread and share education, the issue of poverty alleviation, along with numerous issues, is able to be addressed holistically.
– Neti Gupta
Sources: U.S. News, University of Virginia, The World Bank
Photo: Flickr