The Trip of a Semester: The Disadvantages to Studying Abroad

Cherish Weiler

According to the Institute of International Education, the number of U.S. college students studying abroad has increased nearly 8% in the last year. With so many students choosing to study abroad, the idea may seem appealing and perhaps beneficial for anyone interested in the idea. Oftentimes, faculty and friends praise the chance to live and study in a foreign country, noting personal experience or relating the experiences of fellow travelers. However, the decision to study abroad carries disadvantages that should be taken into consideration by prospective participants.

A study published in Open Doors 2008 by the Institute of International Education reported an increase of 150% in the number of U.S. students choosing to study abroad over the last decade. Students expect colleges and universities to have study abroad programs and oftentimes the absence of such programs weigh heavily on a students decision to attend a particular college. Colleges view study abroad programs as a mark of prestige and rank among other universities and usually community colleges rarely offer a multitude of study abroad opportunities. Colleges that do incorporate study abroad programs typically offer as many options as their resources and funds allow. The decision to study abroad may initially seem overwhelming; many times, faculty or advisers inform students of the benefits of studying abroad but fail to mention the disadvantages. For many students, traveling to a new country comes as a culture shock. Living and studying in a foreign country away from home, family, and friends can carry a heavy psychological toll if students are not able to cope with the change. Additionally, a student’s academic track may be affected due to the limited number and type of classes available in foreign countries or whether or not a semester away from their college affects their graduation date. A student may also discover they do not want to study the culture or language they are surrounded by; this unfortunate discovery would come after a student already paid for the study abroad program. The decision to travel abroad and study in a foreign country is a personal one; students must weigh the cons in addition to the pros and ultimately make the decision best for them.