For an entire year, we were stuck at home. Nowhere to go. Nothing to do. Well, except for attending classes. But classes were not the same. Our bedrooms became our classrooms. A place where we sat in our pajamas and stared at our computer screens, as we watched Zoom lectures all day. Nothing will ever compare to the awkward silences experienced in breakout rooms, all microphones and cameras off. It was a weird year. A year of your college career that you will want to make up for.
Studying abroad will help maximize your college experience. It will provide you with opportunities that will help make up for all your cancelled travel plans and lost experiences.
As everything starts opening up and USC begins resuming life on campus, consider planning a study abroad trip. There is no better time than now to focus on your personal and professional growth. By studying abroad you will explore an avenue of endless opportunities.
Meet New People
Studying abroad will provide you with the social interactions and experiences that you have longed for after being stuck at home in isolation. You will meet new people and build relationships with people from all over the world.
Boost your resume
This past year was stressful. Because there was a lot going on, many of you likely haven’t had the chance to engage in resume building experiences. Studying abroad will help you grow both personally and professionally. It is a great way to build your cross-cultural competency, a highly desired professional attribute.
Personal exploration and development
You deserve to take time for you! Many of you have taken up new hobbies and explored new interests during quarantine. Why not keep up with the pattern of exploring who you are. Studying abroad will help you learn more about yourself. You will gain independence and experience new adventures and challenges that will help you become more self-aware, a critical skill to have in the workplace.
Deepen your appreciation for life and culture
After spending a year at home, you have become more aware and appreciative of the little things in your life. You have a newfound appreciation for dining at restaurants, shopping with friends, and spending time with your family members. Studying abroad will continue to build your appreciation for life. Exploring a new country will grant you opportunities and experiences that will broaden your outlook and deepen your understanding of the world.
Travel and sightsee
After quarantining at home for the last year, it is time to travel and see the world! Studying abroad will cure your crave for adventure and spontaneity. You will have opportunities to travel to different cities, neighboring nations and go on excursions where you will gain new perspectives and build your global awareness.
After a year full of unanticipated challenges, you deserve to travel and study abroad! Whether it be Rome, London, Sydney, Auckland or Hong Kong, you will not regret studying abroad for a semester.