By Kai Bwor & Abigail Kim

Visiting the Eiffel Tower, eating street food in Seoul every other day, and enjoying Irish pubs—these are just some of the many amazing experiences you can have while studying abroad.

Although those experiences are undeniably fun, the true value of studying abroad lies far beyond that. It’s about blossoming and growing as a person, immersing yourself in a new community, building lifelong connections, and creating lasting memories along the way.

Studying abroad can be just as good, if not a better option than studying in one’s home country. Teachers at Granada Hills Charter (GHC) who’ve studied abroad themselves, are enthusiastic about its benefits, highlighting its transformative impact on their academic, personal, and professional growth.

One of the main reasons studying abroad is such a great opportunity is because you’re able to immerse yourself in a culture that is vastly different from your own. You’re able to meet new people with completely different backgrounds and experiences which helps you become more empathetic and understanding of those around you.

English as a Second Language (ESL) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Spanish teacher, Lorig Topalian, studied abroad in Spain while she was a high school student. Through an exchange program, she was able to meet a diverse group of people and learn about a culture different from hers.

“Studying abroad connects and broadens your views with not only new people but with a new culture,” Topalian said. “I think a lot of the time, studying abroad is known for ‘learning’ about the culture, and while that is right, it’s not like you’re going on an exploration trip—you see real people live their lives, and how they have the same general ideas and goals as you do.”

Living alone in a foreign country is also a time of embarking on a journey of personal development. You’ll encounter various obstacles that will challenge you, and procure valuable life lessons, experiences, and skills as a result. HL Global Politics and AP Research teacher, Dr. Tyler Lee, who studied abroad in Jamaica, Rome, and England, expressed this sentiment.

“Studying abroad pushes students out of their comfort zones and fosters independence, adaptability, and resilience,” Dr. Lee said. “It will be difficult at times but it helps you develop the resources necessary to overcome challenges. Be open to experiences and opportunities. I always had a fear of heights but agreed to go skydiving with friends in Switzerland one weekend. I still don’t like heights but the experience gave me the confidence to confront challenges head on.”

Of course, studying abroad will be a dramatic shift in your day-to-day lifestyle. It can be difficult to adjust when in a new country with no one to rely on.

However, Topalian emphasized that this is all part of the process, and that the personal growth she experienced as a result was immense.

“You should be aware that you will have a homesick phase, like a culture shock,” Topalian said. “It’s all normal and natural, and just part of the process.”

So when considering where you want to go to college, you shouldn’t completely rule out studying abroad. Don’t be dissuaded by the challenges that are to come, because, in the end, the benefits outweigh the costs.

Ultimately, studying abroad can be a gateway to challenge yourself, expand your horizons, and grow both academically and personally, providing students with valuable experience to gain a deeper understanding of the world.