The Pros and Cons of Going on a First Year Abroad Program
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Considering a first year abroad program? Excellent choice! You might be asking yourself, “Is studying abroad worth it?” And we’re here to tell you that, all considered, it certainly is.
Let’s take a closer look at some pros and cons of going on a first year abroad program.
What Is First Year Abroad?
Let’s start with the basics. What even is first year abroad? Our simplest answer: it’s essentially a freshman study abroad program.
Instead of spending your first semester, or first year, taking courses on a U.S. college campus, you’ll get to spend it in a different country, taking in everything that a new environment has to offer. Just like how a college study abroad program works later in college, during your first year abroad, you’ll earn credits toward your degree and experience the world. It’s pretty incredible.
Now, let’s dive into the pros and cons of studying abroad, including first year abroad.
Pro #1: Deepen your global perspective.
On a first year abroad program, you’re bound to meet tons of people from all over the world. And from those exciting new encounters, you’ll change as a person (for the better).
Traveling to new places, truly immersing yourself in the local culture, and studying alongside a diverse community of peers means you’re going to learn a lot about the world from many different angles. It will force you to think about things from a more global and interconnected perspective and ultimately help you become a more compassionate and empathetic person.
Con #1: You’ll miss out on campus events.
Now let’s tackle some disadvantages of studying abroad. There’s no denying that when you choose a first year abroad program, you’ll miss out on events and activities happening on your U.S. campus. You’ll be heading straight to a destination abroad instead of getting acquainted with the layout of your college.
We bet that if you’re considering a first year abroad program, you already know you’ll miss out on a traditional U.S. college campus experience your first year. It’s all about prioritizing your values– do you care about missing out on some of those freshman-year functions, or are you more intrigued by seeing the Colosseum in Rome or Marrakesh in Morocco? It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of studying abroad ahead of your travels.
Not to mention, all of those on-campus events and more will await you when you return to the States!
Pro #2: Adventure throughout the world!
Your courses come first when you’re on a first year abroad program. Just like freshman year on any college campus, you’ll need to adjust to a new class schedule and get a handle on the basics, like time management, effective notetaking, and studying, to really set the foundation for academic success. With CIEE, you’ll also have academic support in place to help you.
But the really cool thing about CIEE’s First Year Abroad programs? We combine all that meaningful in-class learning with exciting cultural excursions for an authentic experiential learning opportunity. There’s even data-backed evidence that students who study abroad tend to have higher GPAs and graduation rates.
So, while you’ll thrive academically, a first year abroad also means you can adventure throughout the world and see some of the most iconic landmarks and attractions. Like Ireland’s Cliffs of Moher, the Sydney Opera House, ancient teahouses in Kyoto, Costa Rica’s Lowland Rainforest, and much, much more. When evaluating the pros and cons of studying abroad, this one certainly rises to the top.
Con #2: Possible language barriers.
Although CIEE’s First Year Abroad courses are taught in English, and you aren’t required to know the local language ahead of your first year abroad program, it’s helpful to know some common words and phrases before your travels to help you when you inevitably run into communication challenges during your journey.
But don’t get too overwhelmed, we don’t consider this a major disadvantage of studying abroad. You’ll be on program with English speaking students from the U.S. as well as faculty and CIEE center staff, so you’ll likely never be in a situation where you can’t communicate with anyone.
And the upside to facing some language barriers? You’ll pick up on the local language quicker than you might think and develop some pretty excellent language learning skills.
Pro #3: Kickstart a successful college career.
A first year abroad program will help you succeed in college. The transition to college can be challenging, but choosing to do it abroad in an entirely different country takes courage, and trust us when we say you’ll be better for it.
You’re going to gain a whole new skill set when you go abroad, including:
- Improved intercultural communication skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Enhanced leadership qualities
And more! You’ll stand out amongst your peers with your international experience. First year abroad is truly an experience with benefits that will last a lifetime.
Con #3: You might experience homesickness.
Being away from home for an extended period of time can leave anyone feeling homesick! Adding in living in a foreign country, likely different time zones, and a brand-new local culture might escalate feelings of homesickness while you’re on a first year abroad program.
Our advice? Take it in stride. It’s all completely normal. To help you manage your feelings, we recommend you:
- Stay in touch with your family and friends through global communication platforms like WhatsApp.
- Keep exploring and stay busy!
- Lean on your resources – CIEE center teams are always available to help.
Read More: Challenges of Studying Abroad You May Face (And How to Overcome Them)
Now that we’ve covered the pros and cons of studying abroad, you know what to expect ahead of an incredible program. Don’t delay a first year abroad adventure any longer!