Study Abroad Initiations

A detailed Summary of Study Abroad Initiations

There are many initiations / rites of passages associated with being in a foreign country on a study abroad trip. Some of these initiations may not be apparent to the student until after they have taken place. There are exchange programs available in almost every country in the world. In these programs there are certain objectives or purposes for having the programs in a particular place. Students who participate in these programs gain new perspectives on world affairs, career enhancement, as well as unmistakable personal growth. A couple of students that have participated in exchange programs have provided some insight that helps explain these initiations.

There are many countries in the world that have very different cultures and ways of life. Most Americans have no idea how life goes on in different places. Some don't know about life in a different state, much less another country. Foreign exchange students enter a different country and are usually surprised by the things they see. It might take a while to adjust to the new style of living that the exchange student will experience during the time that he/ she is abroad. This adjustment could definitely be described as a rite of passage. The American way of life repr

Being in a foreign exchange program is an opportunity that most students do not have a chance to take. The many programs available offer students with insight on education as well as culture of different parts of the world. For most students the experiences of the study abroad programs are very different from the things they are used to experiencing. They will more likely than not go through a number of initiations that will mold them into well rounded individuals. Their eyes will be opened to new perspectives, meet new friends, learn to communicate efficiently, and participate in a new way of life. Usually, foreign exchange students' experiences and new open-minded views will travel with them through their future initiations and for the rest of their lives

Interviews with previous exchange students have revealed that at first it can be difficult to meet people but soon it becomes increasingly easy. It makes sense to think that it would be difficult to make friends in a place where you know nobody and nobody knows you. Americans stand out in most countries in the world. This can be intimidating and create shyness on the part of an exchange student. However, just as Americans are interested in people from other walks of the world, so are most people in other countries. As long as the student keeps an open mind, he/ she can easily meet people simply because of

Some common words found in the essay are:
, foreign exchange, exchange student, foreign country, countries world, study abroad, takes student, study abroad trip, meet friends, exchange students, programs available, person symbolically,

Approximate Word count = 929
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Miscellaneous