Is studying abroad worth it?

Studying abroad for college credits.---Worth it in the long run?

• I'm in the process of convincing my parents the many benefits of studying abroad. Especially since I would like to minor in Spanish which would greatly accompany me in my minor for Nursing. -Colleges: Does it really set you apart having credits already done? -Worth the money? -Major differences between classroom usage & actually being able to get out there & use a foreign language? [I think so!] I'd greatly appreciate your personal experieces & anything else you'd like to add about the subject.

• Answer:

  I studied abroad, even though 6 of the 9 credits I earned ended up being pretty much useless electives. I wouldn't trade it for the world. The few months I spent in Spain and traveling around were worth the money and the effort. It cost about $10,000 (including airfare, tuition and books and going out, eating out and traveling and all the awesome clothes I got in Europe!) It's kind of a lot of money, but when you compare it to the experience and memories you'll have with you FOREVER, it's well worth the expenses. I had basically a minor in Spanish by the time I graduated (they didn't offer one, but I had enough credits if they did), and I learned more in a semester overseas than I did in 5 years of study in the US. It's been almost 2 years since I got back, but I still can understand Spanish. I used to work with a lot of Spanish speakers and for the most part, I was conversational with them. I might add that it was at a hospital also. At least where I live, a great deal of the custodial and housekeeping staff were Hispanic and a lot of the patients too, so knowing at least some Spanish was beneficial. No matter, what profession you work in, I'd say it's worth it. Even if it just ends up being a glorified vacation, it's still a great experience. I'd go for it if I had the chance.