Students who study abroad can experience new cultures, learning methods, and perspectives of the world - something which may serve them in both their career pursuits and personal lives later in life.
The first article attempts to restore the value and power of international adult education as a movement. It examines how this field has been ignored by global education policy-makers in favour of more neoliberal approaches to large-scale international assessments.
Study Abroad
College students looking for an extra challenge may decide to participate in a study abroad program. These immersive experiences take students away from their familiar classroom setting and into another country where they'll gain more of an insight into another culture while earning college credit towards graduation. Depending on the program chosen, participants could even earn credits towards major or general education requirements.
Some programs involve traveling to specific sites for field learning experiences, like exploring world history at the Roman Colosseum or taking an art class at the Louvre. Others provide language immersion as an effective means of second-language acquisition.
No matter the program format, studying abroad provides invaluable life experiences that cannot be replicated within an educational institution. Furthermore, studying abroad demonstrates to potential and current employers that you are open to new challenges, flexible, and resourceful; qualities which will set you apart when job hunting.
Studying in a Foreign Country
Although stepping outside your comfort zone may be challenging, it's an invaluable opportunity to discover different cultures and widen your horizons. Expanding your worldview can lead to more understanding towards others and better preparation for future adventures.
Your studies abroad will offer you an invaluable opportunity to expand and refine your English skills and perhaps learn an additional language - invaluable skills that could open many doors in the future career of any student.
As an adult student, studying abroad gives you access to classes not typically found at home. Some study abroad programs allow participants to select classes from a wide variety of topics like economics and business while other programs might provide students with more specialized courses such as those on local history or geography. Many programs even include prearranged housing and group trips around their host nation or continent - educators and learners should make use of such opportunities!
Studying at a University
As adult students enroll in college at ever increasing rates, seasoned professionals and those looking for career transitions are finding that it's never too late to gain new knowledge, learn new skills, and realize educational dreams. The benefits of returning to study as an adult learner can be tremendously advantageous.
Adult learners bring years of life experience into the classroom, which can enrich class discussion and contextualise coursework. Their diversity also contributes to greater student satisfaction and retention rates.
Adult learners also enjoy many other advantages from enrolling as adult learners, including being able to manage time between class and work effectively, which can assist with maintaining a high GPA. Adult learners tend to procrastinate less, which has an enormously positive effect on work quality. Furthermore, many universities now provide online and community college options which may be more economical than traditional four-year institutions - perfect for working adults seeking an international education that aligns with their professional goals.
Studying in a Community College
No matter whether you are an undergrad considering college options or an adult thinking of returning to studying, community colleges provide an affordable means of entering higher education. They can prepare you for four-year universities if that is where your studies lead you, with tuition costs typically one third lower than public universities.
Most community colleges feature small class sizes that offer more personalized attention and support, and their class schedules tend to be more accommodating to students with family or work obligations; day, evening and online classes may all be available.
Many community colleges have agreements with four-year universities so your credits can be transferred if you decide to complete your bachelor's degree there. They're also known for offering vocational training that could lead to careers in tech, health care and other industries; you could even earn an associate degree or credential - ideal if you want to start working immediately after graduating!
