Study Abroad

Is studying abroad worth it?
For many students and families, the answer is still clouded by outdated assumptions about cost, academics, and career value.

On Study Abroad Day, conversations about global education continue to gain momentum, yet misconceptions persist. Years ago, I joined a national debate hosted by The New York Times examining whether study abroad should be an essential component of a college education. More than a decade later, the same myths continue to influence student decisions.

The reality? Study abroad has evolved dramatically, yet it continues to play a critical role in preparing students for a fast-paced global workforce that demands cross-cultural competence and emotional intelligence.

More than a decade ago, I wrote Busting the Top 10 Study Abroad Myths published in the Huffington Post. So much is still relevant today; I’ve updated it for today’s students andtheir families.

Why Study Abroad Matters More Than Ever

Employers increasingly seek graduates who can navigatecomplexity, collaborate across cultures, and adapt in rapidly changingenvironments. Studying abroad is one meaningful way students build theseskills, contributing to the development of a global mindset throughexperiential learning.

Yet too many students still rule out studying abroad beforeexploring their options. Students don’t have to do it alone. There are manyresources, including on-campus offices, program providers, peers who have beenbefore, and Family Guide to Study Abroad as a resource? Let’s separate mythfrom reality.

Myth #1: Study Abroad Is Too Expensive

Truth: Study abroad can cost thesame — or even less — than studying on campus. There is a wide range of studyabroad options at different price points. Many universities offer cost-parityprograms, allowing tuition, housing, and financial aid to transfer directly totheir partner institution abroad. Short-term programs, virtual exchanges, internships,and faculty-led experiences have expanded affordable options.

In some countries, daily living expenses are significantlylower than in the United States.

Myth #2: Studying Abroad Is Just Travel orVacation

Truth: Study abroad buildscareer-ready skills. Students abroad manage unfamiliar systems, communicateacross cultures, and adapt to new academic environments. These experiencesstrengthen independence, resilience, and global collaboration skills; competenciesthat employers consistently rank among the most valuable.

Even study abroad programs without traditional classroom instruction,such as global internships, are designed to give students unique learning opportunitiesnot available at home.

Studying abroad should be enjoyable, but it isfundamentally an academic and professional development experience.

Myth #3: Study Abroad Is Only for CertainMajors

Truth: Every major benefits fromglobal experience.

Today’s programs support students across disciplines,including:

·       STEMfields, including computer science

·       Businessand supply chain

·       Healthsciences and public health

·       Communicationsand media

·       Arts and design

·       Educationand social sciences

Global challenges require global perspectives, regardlessof career path.

Myth #4: You Must Study Abroad Junior Year

Truth: Students can study abroad atalmost any stage and for any length of time.

Options include:

·       First-yearor sophomore programs

·       Summeror winter sessions

·       Semesterexchanges

·       Graduate-levelexperiences

·       Communitycollege programs

Flexibility allows students to align internationalexperiences with internships, graduation timelines, and financial planning.

Myth #5: Study Abroad Means Europe

Truth: Students study in nearlyevery region of the world.

While European destinations remain popular, participationcontinues expanding across Asia, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East asstudents seek exposure to emerging economies and global innovation hubs. Studentslook for destinations and programs that align with their specific goals, suchas learning a language, growing industry-specific knowledge, or building deepcross-cultural relationships.

Destination choices increasingly reflect goals, not tourism trends.

Myth #6: Study Abroad Isn’t Accessible toEveryone

Truth: Study abroad opportunitieshave been expanding access and inclusion.

Participation gaps still exist, particularly amongfirst-generation students and underrepresented populations. Organizations like DA Global Access Network have beenpioneering inclusive global education abroad for two decades, working withinstitutions to increase mentorship, funding access, and inclusive programdesign.

There is no single “type” of student who studies abroad.

Myth #7: There Aren’t Enough Scholarships

Truth: Thousands of scholarshipssupport study abroad each year.

Major funding opportunities include programs like the Gilman Scholarship and Fulbright Student,as well as university and private awards.

Many scholarships specifically support students withfinancial need or those choosing nontraditional destinations.

Myth #8: Independent Travel Provides the SameExperience

Truth: Travel introduces cultures,while studying abroad immerses students in them.

Taking courses with local faculty, collaborating withinternational peers, and living within a host community fosters deeper culturalunderstanding and long-term personal growth. Navigating daily life in a newenvironment teaches a different set of skills than passing through.

Immersion drives learning in ways tourism cannot.

Myth #9: Study Abroad Delays Graduation

Truth: Students who study abroadoften graduate on time — or faster.

With academic planning and approved credit transfer, studyabroad integrates smoothly into degree programs. Many institutions reporthigher retention and completion rates among students who participate in globaleducation experiences.

Myth #10: Employers Don’t Value Study Abroad

Truth: Global experience isincreasingly career-defining.

Employers seek graduates who can work across borders,manage uncertainty, and collaborate internationally. Study abroad developsprecisely these capabilities.

However, students must clearly articulate what they learned— leadership, adaptability, intercultural communication — and connect thoseskills to workplace impact.

Studying abroad isn’t just about where studentsgo. It’s about who they become and how prepared they are for a global future.

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