Is studying abroad a good idea?

Is studying abroad a good idea?

• When I am in my late twenties to early thirties I want to move to europe (probably Switzerland) however I only speak English. I am studying to be a 1st grade teacher and plan on learning the Italian language by the time I get my bachelors degree. The other day my friend told me about studying abroad and how it would be a good opportunity to learn not only italian but also French. How much would this cost? What programs are offered? Could I study to be a teacher there while learning the languages? What about financial aid options? Right now this is a very unrealistic dream for me, so for it to even be an option I'm gonna need enough information to convince my mother and loved ones that it is a great opportunity. Please include sources.

• Answer:

  Studying or living abroad is always a fantastic opportunity to experience another culture, learn another language, and just plain LIVE! Studying abroad is also an expensive luxury, and depending on your career path & those requirements, might not be a great benefit. For elementary school teacher, you are going to need a masters degree & certification, then compete like crazy to try to find a job. Studying abroad might not help with that if you are American & going to teach in the US, and in a hurry to get certified and find a job. To teach in international schools in the future, you must be a certified teacher and have excellent experience, superior references, etc. But having studied abroad yourself would be a big advantage for that. Financial aid for foreign students is scarce and hotly contested. Even if you get some, it can still cost a bundle. You need to investigate universities which offer your major in the country/ies you are interested in, and see if a degree there will get you into a masters of education program in the US on graduation & your return to US. Also investigate foreign exchange & "junior year abroad" programs. This might be a really good option for you if your US university has arrangements with a uni in Switzerland, Italy, etc. Start doing your homework - you have a LOT of research to do.