Study Abroad program adds to resumes & experiences

College is a time for development and growth. The majority of students who enter college are still maturing and continuing their education beyond high school provides a time to find who they truly are and who they will become.And while major growth can happen within the confines of Charleston, there is an entire planet waiting to be explored a multitude of cultures big and small to be studied, emerged and enjoyed.

Thankfully, Eastern offers a wide array of avenues for students to explore these far off lands. There are study abroad opportunities in most majors, in nearly any country on earth and for many periods of time.Essentially, Eastern offers a vacation package for any student to try. And what better excuse to take a vacation than, I'm a college student?Academically and spiritually, the ability to see and experience another culture is undeniably valuable. It's one thing to hear, read about, or even see photos of another country, but actually diving into a foreign environment cannot be replicated in a classroom.

And as study abroad coordinator Farhan Aziz said in a Sept. 9 Daily Eastern News article, Studying abroad enhances the college experience and shows that you are more flexible and open minded while combining academics and international experience." He went on to mention the benefits of studying abroad to one's resume, setting them apart from others when applying for a job. Employers recognize the benefits that seeing another culture can impress upon someone.

It's all extremely convincing and with the deadline for the spring applications approaching on Oct. 1, all the benefits of studying abroad should be seriously considered.In fact, it would be easy to stop here and say everyone should study abroad, but there are downsides mostly in the form of finances.