As a senior preparing to leave high school, the thought of what’s next—college, career, life beyond my comfort zone—has been on my mind a lot lately. One thing I’ve realized is that my future will be shaped not just by what I learn in classrooms, but by the experiences I seek out. And there’s one experience I believe every student should consider: studying abroad. While financial obstacles can make this dream feel out of reach for many, the benefits of immersing yourself in a new culture far outweigh the challenges.

First and foremost, studying abroad offers an invaluable opportunity for personal growth. You’re not just visiting a country—you’re living there, adapting to its rhythms, embracing its traditions, and stepping out of the familiar. This kind of cultural immersion can’t be replicated in the comfort of your own home. It’s about learning through firsthand experiences, whether you’re navigating a new city, trying local food, or even learning the nuances of daily life that textbooks simply can’t capture.

For example, living with a host family offers the chance to build meaningful relationships that you would never get from a short vacation. It’s about becoming part of a community and seeing the world through their eyes. As Olivia, a past participant in a study abroad internship, shared, “I’ve made so many new friends through this experience, and it has completely transformed the way I travel.”

And the impact on your education is undeniable. Studying abroad opens doors to classes that wouldn’t be available at home. Whether it’s Spanish in Spain or environmental science in Costa Rica, location-specific courses allow you to deepen your academic knowledge in a way that extends beyond the classroom. Madison, a student who studied abroad in Costa Rica, noted that learning about local sustainable farming practices firsthand gave her a perspective that she could never have gained through lectures alone.

Moreover, studying abroad gives you practical experience that will set you apart in the competitive job market. Many employers value international experience, as it demonstrates qualities like independence, adaptability, and cultural awareness. A study by the University of Buffalo found that international experience boosted employment prospects by 17%. And for those of us thinking about careers that require cross-cultural communication, such as international relations, global health, or even environmental work, studying abroad can be a game-changer.

While the financial barriers to studying abroad are real, there are resources available to help mitigate the costs. Scholarships, grants, and even low-cost options in countries like Germany, Norway, and France can make studying abroad more affordable than many people think. Additionally, living in countries with lower living costs can offset tuition fees and provide a unique opportunity to save money while gaining valuable experiences.

However, the real value lies in how studying abroad shapes you as a person. The independence you gain, the cross-cultural communication skills you develop, and the lifelong friendships you make all contribute to a richer, more diverse perspective on the world. For someone like me—who isn’t financially privileged—this opportunity might seem like a dream, but it’s one worth fighting for.

Of course, there are challenges. Navigating language barriers, adjusting to new academic systems, and managing finances can all seem daunting. But as many past students have shared, the benefits far outweigh these obstacles. Hayley, a student who studied abroad in Barcelona, admitted that the experience changed her life, making her stronger and more self-aware. The same could happen to any of us.

While studying abroad may not be feasible for everyone, it’s an opportunity worth considering, especially when resources and scholarships are taken into account. In the words of Timmy Wotring, a student who studied abroad in Malawi, “I think people should be so open to experiences that they never would have thought of. Making assumptions, it’s not going to do anything for you.”

If we have the chance to step out of our comfort zones and immerse ourselves in new cultures, we should take it. Traveling and learning in a foreign country helps you grow in ways that extend beyond academic achievement—it molds you into a more empathetic, open-minded, and self-reliant individual. And for me, that’s the kind of education I want to have.