Study Abroad! A Once in a Lifetime Opportunity

Mom. Dad. I have the opportunity of a lifetime just waiting for me… It’s a unique chance to explore the world, learn about new cultures, broaden my worldview, & gain a new appreciation for home; all while continuing my education. I’m talking about the study abroad option offered by USC.

The benefits of studying abroad are endless & I have all the information for you. But, for the sake of convincing you, I have narrowed down what I believe to be the top 4 reasons for why you should let me go abroad.

Reason #1 | Now or Never

At this point in my life I am young & energetic. I am driven by youthful ambition & endless curiosity. Most of all, I’m not tied down by a job, wife, kids, injury, etc. There will never be a better time for me to go abroad. Surely you must agree that if I wait until after school, I will most likely find myself tied down by one of those & will have missed my chance to explore.

Reason #2 | Increased Competitiveness in the Job Market

As you are both aware, globalization is irrefutably the future. Employers today want people w/ a broad worldview, who understand how to communicate w/ different cultures & value systems, & people who will diversify their workforce thereby, diversifying their business.

Employers understand that the best individuals w/ the aforementioned qualities are those who have studied abroad. They will look for it on my resume & those who have it are better positioned for employment than those who don’t. Why would I want to limit myself? I know you wouldn’t want me to.

Reason #3 | Great Value

By studying abroad, I will be able to live in another country for an entire semester (4 months!). During this time I will become fully immersed in another culture & language. All the while I will be fully enrolled in classes that count for credit towards graduation just as I would be if I didn’t go. Best of all, it will only cost you 15% more than the tuition rate for a regular semester & will include 1) Airfare, 2) Food & Board, & 3) Misc. Travel Costs. I also qualify for Scholarships!

Reason #4 | Unforgettable Experience

There are many possibilities.  I can choose from Europe, Asia, South America, Africa & the Middle-East, Australia & New Zealand. If I go to Europe I can hop around to cities like Paris, London, Milan, Rome, Berlin, etc. on the weekends w/ friends. Programs are offered in the Fall, Spring, & Summer.

All my friends who have studied abroad attest to how amazing the experience is. They portray the experience as a magical, euphoric, & life changing event that was the time of their lives. Help position me for success! Please, allow me to experience what they have &, in doing so, become a more experienced, worldly, & mature young man.