The focus on course credits, test scores, and career paths often causes students to overlook other opportunities that improve “soft skills”. From a new appreciation for a foreign culture to learning something new about oneself, studying abroad provides experiences that stay with a person for life.

Several BHS faculty members studied abroad in high school or in college and said that it gave them a unique, transformational experience that facilitated their understanding of diverse cultures, practices and perspectives around the world.

Spanish teacher Daria Cayne studied in Mérida, Mexico as part of the study abroad program offered by Ohio University.

“[The American lifestyle] lacks a certain antiquity and pride in culture that I really appreciate about the Mexican lifestyle,” she said. “I learned from my experiences that it is important to immerse yourself in a new culture, because the more multicultural we can be, the more of a global community we can become, and the better off we are.”

In addition to learning about other people, studying abroad encourages self-reflection. By pursuing education in a different country, students can make new friends from around the world, become truly independent, and change their outlook.

In a recent survey conducted by the Institute for the International Education of Students (IES), 96% of people who studied abroad described their experiences as a catalyst for increased maturity. Over 82% reported developing a more sophisticated worldview after studying abroad.

BHS Chinese teacher Ai-Lan Lin has seen many of her students participate in immersion programs.

“You just really have to embrace yourself, and in the end everything you learn will contribute to your wealth of knowledge,” she explained.

Cayne shared a similar view.

“Studying abroad helps you see what you’re really made of and what a strong person you can be in certain situations,” she said.

Many alumni of study abroad programs utilize the skills they have learned in their careers. They are often distinguished as leaders who are very passionate about academic pursuits. According to the IES survey, over 52% of American alumni achieved a postgraduate degree, compared to the 9% of all U.S. citizens who obtained postgraduate degrees.

Cayne, a very passionate Spanish teacher, had a unique personal experience during her time in Mexico that helped lead her on a path to BHS.

“[Studying abroad] opened the doors for me when I came back to Cleveland. I felt really confident, finished my student teaching, and was offered a job [at BHS],” she added.

Some may view study abroad programs as a luxury. Admittedly, many of these programs are costly and may not be affordable for all those who are interested.

Guidance counselor Ashley Saferight, who has studied classical music in Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic, acknowledged that cost is an issue.

“Studying abroad can be tricky from a [high school] graduation standpoint and is certainly a luxury from a financial perspective,” she said.

Cayne, Lin and Saferight, however, all believe that studying abroad helps to broaden one’s worldview and is a precursor to success.

Fortunately, there are many ways to work around the difficulties of studying abroad. There are summer high school study abroad programs that offer students the opportunity to see the world and do not interfere with the school year. Additionally, universities around the world offer multiple study abroad programs and highlight the importance of learning things in context. Along with these programs are chances to apply and earn scholarships that assist in cutting costs.

Wherever a student is in his or her academic career, studying abroad is always an option to consider. Saferight concluded, “I would not trade my study abroad experience for anything, and I would love to have the opportunity again some day,”