5 Reasons Why GCCIS Students Should Study Abroad
1. To make new connections
When abroad, you can connect to locals, peers, and professors that will last a lifetime. These connections can be personal and or professional. From my experiences abroad, I have gained new friendships through my program and keep in touch with them to this day. Building relationships with professors abroad can also lead to more international opportunities and adding another person to be able to vouch for you in letters of recommendation.
2. Study abroad travel can be cheaper than travel for leisure
If you have ever looked into planning a trip, expenses can add up fast. But, by studying abroad, you may pay less for tuition than you typically would, depending on your program. There are also scholarships available through RIT and externally, which you can apply for.
I understand finances are extremely important to all college students. However, it should not be the reason why you discount the possibility of going abroad, as there are always options to support your aspirations.
Final day of the program at RIT Croatia.
3. An opportunity to master soft skills
By going abroad, you are actively putting yourself out there to gain new experiences. By doing this, you are putting yourself in a position for self-growth. You can learn to better communicate with others, become adaptable to a new way of life and problem-solve. On top of developing these skills, you can discuss your time abroad with future employers. It showcases your skillset and willingness to take on challenges and can help you stand out from others.
4. The chance to take a new approach to learning and broaden studies
One of the best things about studying abroad is that you are not restricted to take major-specific classes. You are more than welcome to take classes specific to your field of study if that is what you prefer. Or you can take classes geared toward other interests that fulfill general electives or immersion requirements. I took psychology classes abroad which fulfilled my immersion (and that I ended up turning into a minor).
Colleges outside of the United States teach in different ways than we do here. Exposure to a different approach can help you expand your learning style, which may make you more academically successful when returning to Rochester.
Zagreb, Croatia city center.
5. Because you can!
Regardless of your program and possible co-op blocks, you can fit study abroad into your schedule and graduate on time. RIT offers various lengths of programs to accommodate your comfort level and coursework. Whether you decide on a week-long faculty-led program, a summer program, or a semester-long program, there is a program out there for you.
Take the first steps and look into adding study abroad to your college career. If you need help, don’t hesitate to email me or the RIT Education Abroad office!
Lindsay Cargarli is a Computer Science major who studied abroad in Croatia on the Summer Psychology program in the summer of 2022.