There are many programs offered to study abroad and there are a
variety of lengths of time in which you can choose to study abroad. Whether it
be a three week study abroad class sponsored by a specific department at a
university, a two month summer language intensive program, or a semester or
year abroad there, are a various options
to choose from. I have been reading articles about the effectiveness of short
and long term programs and whether the duration of the program truly affects
the value of the time abroad. I have personally studied abroad for various
lengths of time from two weeks to six months and while the longer I stayed in a
place during a study abroad experience the more I explored that particular
place and immersed myself in the culture of my surroundings, I found great value
in every study abroad experience. My
first study abroad trip was a two week tour around Spain in which I learned
about Spanish Art. It was an amazing trip that was a great introduction to the
study abroad experience. I was able to explore many cities, all
while learning about art and culture. Being the language geek that I am I took
that opportunity to practice the Spanish language as well. That trip opened my
eyes to a whole new way of exploring the world. It wet my appetite for more. As soon as
the plane touched down to return home I was ready to board another plane to
study abroad again. From that point forward I was hooked and took every
opportunity I was afforded to study abroad. All from that initial two week
trip.
Spending
five weeks in Guadalajara, Mexico was a great experience. It allowed me to
fully immerse myself in the Mexican culture and stay with a host family. My
language skills greatly improved. Did the timing of the five weeks that I spent
there have a major impact on my experience? It definitely did. The longer you
stay in a place the more you can explore, the more you can absorb from your
surroundings, and the more you can learn and practice those things in which you
are there to learn such as the culture and the language. The longer you stay in
a place the greater the opportunity to meet people who can make a profound
impact on your life. That is what I learned when I spent 6 months in Spain last
year. I really met some great people that I really got to know because of the
time I spent with them. It was amazing! Talk about learning about a
culture from the inside! That is exactly what I took the opportunity to
do. From getting to know my professors both inside and outside of the classroom
and meeting new friends from my program and others native to Valencia
where I lived the six months I was there helped me to cultivate lasting
relationships and help to engrain a sense of community while in another
country. The funny thing is I met my closest friends who grew up in Valencia the
last month I was there. Nonetheless each person in our group made a huge impact
on my life. Would I have met my friends if I left Spain months earlier? Probably
not. Will I ever know for sure? No, but I am grateful for the
time that I spent with them and the time that I spent in each place that I
studied abroad.
Each of
my previous study abroad experiences enriched my desire to learn and explore
more. In each opportunity I learned a great deal about each of the places,
people, culture and language. I also learned a great deal about myself in the
process. The variety of lengths of each trip showed me that I could incorporate my love for
learning and travel into my life regardless of time constraints or other
obligations. Although I am no
longer a student I would jump at the chance to study abroad again. The length
of time I would go would definitely depend where I am in my life at the time
and what other things are going on at the time but since I am a student of life
and culture at heart I would soak up all that I could whether my trip were a
two week vacation or if I decide to move to another country for an extended
period of time.
I don’t think there is a particular amount of time you should spend
abroad. Instead of emphasizing the length of time I prefer to emphasize
the value and quality of the experience. There are valuable learning
experiences whether you are abroad for a couple of weeks or a year. As long as you
are taking the opportunity to travel abroad, are open to the
experience, and willing to learn about the place/culture there is value
can be found in it all.
