During my first semester at Kirkwood Community College, I was enamored by the thought of studying abroad. Experiencing a different culture, trying new foods and seeing places most people would only ever see in pictures — all of these were alluring reasons to study overseas.
But one question plagued my mind as I started to seriously consider signing up for a trip: Is studying abroad really worth it?
When I first clicked into the study abroad website and scrolled through the possible destinations — France, Costa Rica, Italy, South Africa, or Japan — I had to ask myself if these programs were really worth the money or if the “enlightening experience” and “new perspective” offered by these trips were just bunches of nonsense.
So I kept making excuses, hesitating and telling myself that it was too expensive. Finally, after much deliberation, I filled out an application for the Italy: Layers of Rome study abroad program and now that I have gone on the trip, I can’t imagine what life would have been like otherwise.
I woke up early on my first day in Rome after recovering from jet lag induced by a nine-hour red-eye, refreshed and excited to explore the city I would call home for the next two weeks.
I began to walk wherever I saw something interesting: a unique storefront, a wall of cool graffiti, a flower stand or a seemingly quiet café that was actually bustling with locals. Everything about Italy felt so familiar, yet different at the same time.
Outside of on-site lectures at some of the most impressive monuments ever made, I got to explore the city on my own and with the new friends I made through the program, creating some of the best memories I’ve ever had.
Of course, my trip was not without its mishaps, including an incident of oversleeping and subsequently booking it for four miles in the rain because I missed the train, or receiving a 50-euro fine because I forgot my metro card while taking the bus one day. But despite these troubles, I wouldn’t give up a second of my time abroad.
As college students, we are constantly thinking about affordability and going on a study abroad trip might seem impractical or even ridiculous to a student on a budget, but there are many benefits to studying abroad besides the experience. It is an amazing addition to your resume, and it can open new doors for you in your professional future.
Plus, included in the program costs are the credits you would need to take regardless, so why not earn them abroad? Finally, the programs you will find at Kirkwood are likely the cheapest study abroad programs you’ll ever see during your college education.
I am glad I took the leap of faith and opted to risk the potential regret of “wasting my money” as opposed to the regret of passing up such an opportunity. And now that I have studied abroad, I can say with full confidence that every cent I spent was entirely worth it.
Categories: Opinion
