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Studying Abroad… What The World Has To Offer
M. Ahmed
It is a tradition among college students in the United States to spend at least one semester abroad. The idea is to broaden our horizons, learn about new cultures and yes, to have some fun before graduation and the real work begins. However, it seems we are often trapped within our own cultural constraints even as we try to abandon them. Two-thirds of American college students who study abroad go to Europe. Why? How much of a cultural experience is it really to pack up and spend a semester in France or England? And are we really justified in calling ourselves "worldly" as we munch on fries at an English-speaking McDonalds in London? Fortunately, the tide is turning. More and more students are heading to countries that were considered dangerous or too exotic. In the past decade, the number of students studying abroad has doubled. Of that number, fewer than ever are going to Europe. Countries such as Bolivia, South Africa and India are becoming increasingly popular with students. It's not easy for any student or their family to make the decision to spend several months on different continents. However, the numbers seem to show that minority parents and Muslim parents seem to have an even harder time with this decision. In fact, several major international studies programs have written pamphlets specially for minority parents, because so few minorities were participating. Parental fears and financial issues are the two biggest factors keeping minority kids at home. Traveling and studying abroad is a risk - sure, everything is. But the benefits of truly broadening one's horizons and appreciating what a diverse world we live in are much greater. Especially when your own family history goes beyond the confines of the United States. I myself found the experience to be a good one. I returned home with a greater awareness for my own culture, as well as a greater understanding of other cultures. I have something distinctive to put in my resume that will help me in the future. More importantly, I came home having met some wonderful people and with some new friends - including one whom recently converted to Islam. We often discuss our plight as Muslims in the United States. It sheds a new light on things to see what it is to be Muslim in the rest of the world. Some tips and recommendations* for students and parents as you consider your options:
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR STUDENTS Participants should:
In studying abroad, as in other settings, parents, guardians and families can play an important role in the health and safety of participants by helping them make decisions and by influencing their behavior overseas. When appropriate, parents, guardians and families should:
www.petersons.com/stdyabrd/abroad5.htm 
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