Every year, several students choose to leave UCLA for something a little more mysterious and exciting — life in a completely new continent! Studying abroad is often described as a life-changing experience by many. Whether it be strolling the streets of London between lectures or exploring the opulent palaces of Beijing during the weekend, studying abroad feels like a fever dream, especially for those who have never lived outside of the United States. However, there is always the question of balancing academics and fun, as well as the hassle of making sure your credits earned abroad align. This leaves the following question: is studying abroad actually worth it?
To provide some background, the University of California Education Abroad Program, or UCEAP, is the official study abroad program for the institution. They have partnered with 115 universities worldwide and offer programs in 46 countries. UCEAP students enroll in various courses abroad while still earning UC units and maintaining UCLA student status. There are summer, quarter, semester and year-long options. For students who qualify, financial aid and scholarships are also available.
Although all courses, units and grades from UCEAP are guaranteed to transfer to UCLA, students have to put in the effort to make sure that the courses they intend to take align with their respective degree pathways. Those who intend to double major or are on the pre-med track may find it more demanding to pursue this opportunity, especially because credit transfer can get challenging. Without appropriate preparation, students may end up taking classes that don’t count towards their respective majors, potentially pushing back graduation.
Furthermore, studying abroad involves being physically away from UCLA and all it has to offer, including clubs, leadership positions and internships. The programs often interfere with peak recruitment seasons, a major downside for students on competitive career paths. Spending a quarter or more away can hence feel like a missed opportunity.
Although living in a new city sounds thrilling, culture shock and homesickness are very real symptoms. Students will face unfamiliar routines, new languages and a completely different landscape — all of which could get depressing if tackled the wrong way. There also exists a negative connotation associated with study abroad programs, suggesting that they aren’t academically rigorous and are more like a vacation with some school on the side. Whether that is true or not ultimately depends on the decisions of each student that govern their experience.
Despite the extensive planning and risks involved, studying abroad is more than just taking classes in a different country. It is a real-world learning experience beyond the confines of a classroom. Learning about concepts in context brings more meaning to what is being taught. Students will be pushed outside of their comfort zone to adapt to a new timezone, surrounded by new people and cultures. As it is becoming increasingly important to have a more global perspective, studying abroad can truly widen one’s horizons. You never know if the classmate you meet in Berlin or the professor you take a class with in Singapore will end up sparking a personal interest that you never knew existed. Intercultural awareness and problem-solving in unknown environments are additionally skills that will put you at an advantage in both your academic and professional path.
Conversations I have had with students who have studied abroad have been almost overwhelmingly positive. The memories they have created with their friends and the appreciation they have gained for other cultures is unlike anything you would find on campus itself. Although study abroad programs are completely optional, they are a great way to tackle ambiguity outside of the UCLA bubble. Things won’t always work out in your favor, but that is completely fine! By facing these challenges, you build the ability to handle future uncertainties with more confidence. Because these programs are often temporary, I have also heard friends reflect on how they became more aware of the fleeting nature of life experiences and how that awareness deepened their appreciation for the world’s diversity.
Ultimately, the choice of whether or not to study abroad should be based on a student’s personal preference. Those who have never experienced life beyond the borders of California might find it enthralling to live in a new country for a few months while still getting the world-class education they signed up for. The factors that seem to undermine this venture are the academic and financial logistics, along with the uncertainty involved in moving to a new home, although the latter may be a plus point. Go into it with an open mind, and it just might become one of the best decisions you’ve ever made. At the end of the day, what you get out of the experience depends entirely on what you put into it, and that is something only you can define.
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