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MU
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So you want to study abroad. Do you know why? Maybe you want to be an adventurer -- exploring foreign lands, meeting new people, traveling off the beaten path. Maybe you want to dig into history and really live it, not just read about it. Perhaps you want to discover yourself - gaining the independence and confidence that comes with self-knowledge. Possibly you have more concrete goals - like perfecting your French in Paris, or taking ballet in Moscow.
Believe it or not, all these experiences and skills you develop abroad will help you mature personally and academically as well as enhance your future career opportunities.
As an individual, you will develop independence and self-reliance. When culture shock, or foreign bureaucracies challenge you, you will uncover strengths you may not have known you had.
You will also grow academically. You will be able to learn about lots of subjects not offered here at Mizzou: aboriginal studies in Australia, Flamenco music in Spain, or the Twi language in Ghana. As an international student, you will learn to challenge yourself and set your own pace. By discussing politics with foreign students, involving yourself in local issues or taking American history classes from a foreign professor, you will gain a new, international perspective on yourself and your society. Even ordinary, daily living experiences will be a learning adventure! Shopping at the local market, doing the laundry with your host mom, and going out with your new friends will be an education in itself.
If you go to a non-English speaking country, you will have an unparalleled opportunity to learn a new language. Being fully immersed is the most meaningful and effective way to learn. Through daily interaction, mere familiarity with the language will become competence or expertise. By learning the language in its cultural context, your understanding and appreciation of both the language and culture will deepen. You will trulybecome an international citizen.
These personal and academic growth experiences will also pay off when you begin grad school or start your career. Since only a small percentage of college students study abroad, you will stand out from other candidates. Employers and professors alike will be impressed not only by your excellent languages skills, but also by the independence and versatility you developed abroad. Because study abroad teaches you tocommunicate effectively with people of different cultures during your time abroad, you will be able to apply these skills in day-to-day communication at work or school. An international experience will also give you an edge in your future career or graduate program because you will gain a perspective that globalizes your thinking and helps you see the whole picture.
Study Abroad programs are available for a summer, semester or academic year. You can earn credit towards your degree program, and, with careful planning, you should lose no time toward graduation. Study abroad is affordable because financial aid and scholarships are applicable to most programs, and other grants and scholarships are available specifically for study abroad.
For more information about programs offered through MU and other accredited schools, you should visit the International Center Resource Room. Study abroad peer advisors will be on hand to help with the study abroad process of program selection, application, admission, and orientation.
In today's ever-expanding global society, and competitive job market, you simply cannot afford to miss out on studying abroad!
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