Traveling to different countries and experiencing different cultures is a life-changing experience. When I first traveled to Europe and interacted with people from France, England, Switzerland, and Italy, I gained a new perspective on the world and learned more about myself, as well as more about languages, cultures, and history. Those who want a life-changing learning experience should look for study and service abroad opportunities. Traveling abroad allows individuals to study, serve, and have fun in new and exciting circumstances that provide a host of educational, professional, and personal benefits.

One of the most startling realizations I discovered when I first traveled abroad was that the world is much bigger than I had assumed, and that the small community I had grown up in was miniscule in a worldwide scope. Although this discovery may seem obvious, making this observation for myself by interacting with new people in different cultures transformed my perspective on my own country, as well as other countries, and on how I as an individual fit into the world. When you travel to another country, you can observe how your native culture corresponds to the culture you live in. What are the similarities and differences? As you interact with many different and unique individuals you may be exposed to different ideas and traditions that can broaden your experience and outlook on the world. Overall, gaining new perspective about people, yourself, and the world will help dispel stereotypes, improve understanding, and allow you to develop better communication and social skills.

In an economy and workforce that is growing more global by the second, learning a new language is an invaluable resource that will make you more marketable to future employers. And study and service abroad opportunities provide the ideal environment to learn a new language. Instead of sitting in a classroom, you can learn and practice the language in its native country, allowing you to become fluent in that language quickly. And with many American service abroad programs, participants teach children and adults English. As you teach your language and interact closely with those who speak a foreign language, you and your pupils alike will pick up a second language that can be beneficial to both parties in the future.

Study and service abroad opportunities provide the unique experience of being exposed to different cultures' art. You may be surprised by how limited your knowledge of music, art, and literature is after traveling to a different country and discovering what others revere as quality forms of entertainment. Traveling across the countryside, you can see and experience a different culture first-hand. Visiting museums, historical sites, and concerts can provide a unique insight into art, reflect the culture's heritage and values, and give you a deeper appreciation of many different art forms and art subjects. And you may even discover that you like something new.

There is no better way to establish your independence and to develop more as an individual than to live in a foreign country, away from familiar people and surroundings. By studying or serving abroad, you receive the unique experience of being responsible for almost every aspect of your life--everything from what you eat to what you do each day. Further, by living in a foreign country you develop invaluable skills in communicating by asking for directions, services, etc. You can gain more confidence in your ability to solve problems autonomously and to live independently, and this confidence can benefit more than just your personal life. A greater sense of independence gives individuals the courage to try new things and to achieve lofty goals, both educationally and professionally.

As mentioned briefly before, employers know the benefits that come from studying and serving abroad. Aside from new language skills, living abroad signifies to potential employers that you know how to interact well with people from different cultures, an invaluable skill in an increasingly global economy. Studying and serving abroad looks great on a resume and can put you one step ahead of the herd when the time comes to find a job.

Service abroad opportunities provide another unique experience of helping people in a variety of ways. Some service abroad opportunities focus on providing shelter for those who need a place to live. Others entail volunteer work in orphanages, and many service abroad programs give participants the opportunity to teach others how to speak English. These service abroad opportunities are great ways to travel without spending as much money. Because you are providing a service, many programs will pay for your housing and your travel, and some may even provide a small salary. Not to mention that serving others will help you develop a greater love and understanding for different peoples and give you the satisfaction and peace-of-mind that comes with helping others.

Many people talk about seeing the world, but few actually do it. In fact, only about 4 percent of college-age students study abroad. If you have a dream of seeing the world, there are a variety of study and service abroad opportunities available at a variety of costs, depending on what you're studying, how long you're staying, and whether or not you are providing a service to the community. Regardless, serving and studying abroad can provide life-changing and fulfilling experiences that can benefit every aspect of your life.