Passage A (1) A huge draw of studying abroad is gaining life experience in a different country and culture. Immersing yourself in a new way of living can be scary at first, but tackling the challenges of living in a new country will grow your self-confidence and independence. (2) Getting to know a new place also means the opportunity to explore; you’ll learn all about local food, history, and customs. Although your university may be based in one city, there will be plenty of opportunities for traveling to other areas of the country, and maybe even other countries close by. Your idea of education will be forever changed. (3) You’ll be able to meet a lot of new people from different backgrounds, adding to your understanding of the world and how to interact with a diverse range of people. A benefit of living abroad while studying is the access you’ll have to societies and sports teams, so meeting new people will never be an issue. (4) The best way to improve your language skills is to live in a country that doesn’t speak your native language. Living in a different country increases your vocabulary daily, and introduces you to more colloquial ways of speaking in that language. (5) Some international students decide to apply for work visas when their course has finished as they wish to search for jobs in that country. Studying abroad can open up a new world of job opportunities in another country, broadening your postgraduate options. (6) The personal skills you develop while studying abroad can also be appealing to prospective employers. The willingness you’ve shown to step out of your comfort zone; your global outlook and your independence will be traits shown through your decision to study abroad. Passage B (1) With study abroad, you can experience new places and cultures, make friends from around the world, and gain a global perspective-while earning credits towards your degree. It is a great way to develop highly-valued skills such as intercultural communication, foreign languages, adaptability, and problem-solving. (2) Studying marine science at the Great Barrier Reef, architecture in Europe, or environmental sciences in the Amazon rainforest provides new meaning to the typical classroom experience not possible on campus. On average approximately 13% of U.S. undergraduates nationwide study abroad. Distinguish yourself from your peers by developing highly valuable skills while exploring a unique learning environment overseas! (3) When you’re abroad, every new experience can be a challenge and an adventure! Take a risk by leaving your home and you will be better prepared to face challenges in the future. By stepping outside of your comfort zone, you’ll develop problem solving skills and discover you can handle the unexpected. Study abroad is a transformative experience that fosters personal growth along with increased intellectual development. (4)Through study abroad, you can gain international experience and skills such as intercultural sensitivity, the ability to deal with ambiguity, and adaptation to new surroundings – all highly valued by employers. Abroad, you can learn to relate with people from different backgrounds, an important ability in the workplace. According to the IES survey, their study abroad alumni earn on average $7,000 more in starting salary compared to the general population of U.S. college graduates. (5) Develop an understanding and appreciation of people from other countries and improve cross-cultural competency along with many skills. In a recent survey. 97% stated that study abroad served as a catalyst for increased maturity, 96% increased their self- confidence and 84% said that study abroad helped them develop job skills. According to Passages A and B, why is it important to live abroad?
According to Passages A and B, why is it important to live abroad?