BY 李和焜/ERIC LI

This essay won Honorable Mention in the 1st HFLS CAL Writing Contest.

Many people argue that going abroad is an unnecessary approach for young people to develop a more mature outlook on the world, as there are more cost-effective and practical alternatives, such as staying current with global trends by consuming information online. Nevertheless, the real, firsthand experience outside one’s home country is the most beneficial for gaining an international perspective. Young individuals need to understand the complexity of the global family.

Before diving into the arguments, let me first outline a recent survey conducted by IES Abroad, which focused on the feelings of overseas students after experiencing the lifestyle outside their country. Seventy-six % of students who studied abroad during their university years reported that they acquired skills that influenced their career paths, and 97% stated that studying abroad increased their maturity. The results suggest that overseas study benefits their future careers and provides an in-depth understanding. In the following paragraphs, I will highlight three key advantages of overseas experiences.

First and foremost, venturing into a new country strengthens young people’s ability to cope with issues they will face in the future. Immersing oneself in a completely new environment can astonish many people, as real-life situations, such as cultural diversity and social etiquette, often differ from what one learns online. In other words, people will be stuck in a fixed ‘ search channel’ with only limited basic information shared by different people, impeding them from accessing genuine facts. For example, during the 1970s in China, there was a common misconception that foreigners struggled financially. Overseas students later discovered that this statement was preposterous and misleading. With international exposure, people develop a more global mindset, which is essential for addressing professional tasks, such as communicating with foreign customers and clients. Many multinational companies (MNCs), especially in the US, value candidates with international experience. For instance, Ruth Ferguson, the senior vice president and human resources executive at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, contended that what they appreciate most is the understanding of different cultures, different methods of communication, and business skills that are strongly linked with overseas experiences. This indicates that foreign encounters are a remarkable method for enhancing professional competitiveness, as they will seem appealing to many employers, especially in MNCs.

Secondly, going abroad helps individuals recognize global major concerns, such as the invasion of national sovereignty, climate change, and economic inequalities. Communicating with people from diverse educational systems, political systems, and social backgrounds enables individuals to receive varied viewpoints on pressing global challenges. The multiple information resources help them avoid developing an overly one-sided attitude towards political conflicts, provide a more profound understanding of natural disasters, and foster clear cognition when facing economic dilemmas. Non-profit organizations, such as Cultural Vistas, have offered thousands of students, professionals, and emerging leaders in over 130 countries through career-focused international internships, signifying the pivotal role of going abroad. Without this type of immersion, individuals may struggle to develop unique logical thinking, as the ubiquitous viewpoints of others deeply influence their thoughts. In short, only by experiencing distinct regions and meeting people from varied walks of life can one have a more globalized critical thinking.

Ultimately, globalization necessitates that individuals be adaptable to diverse cultures. One of the most significant barriers to communication between people from different cultures is the presence of cultural differences, including cultural shocks and language barriers. Engagement in foreign regions diminishes the impact of these impediments, and secondhand experiences can prevent you from seeing reality as it may be, as the experience may be different. Firsthand experiences are what are sought-after in today’s world: Enterprises need individuals who have the competence to approach to both the domestic and foreign environment, to gain bigger consumption and be more lucrative; Governments need diplomats who can devote to peaceful international relationships, to maintain the country’s political states and the harmony between countries; The world needs people who are familiar with different cultures, to foster a global understanding.

In conclusion, going abroad offers numerous benefits, including the potential to address professional issues, develop critical thinking skills, and overcome communication barriers. It is an inevitable step for people to build a more comprehensive outlook, as no other shortcut can replace the benefits it provides. It is not a luxury, but a vital tool for personal growth.

References:

Colin M. （2021）. Why Global Experience Should Be a College Requirement. Overseas. https://www.gooverseas.com/blog/why-global-experience-should-be-a-college-requirement

IES Abroad (2019) Alumni Survey Results. IES Abroad. https://www.iesabroad.org/about/alumni-survey-results

Fiveable (2014). The importance of global awareness and understanding