The Benefits of Studying Abroad

Across the ocean in big cities and rural towns, in the mountains and on the coast, thousands of people discover there is more to life than meets the textbook. If you are a student, you have the power to submerge yourself into a culture you have only read about, while building friendships with unlikely confidants and living adventures unrivaled in awe. And while you’re there, get college credit for it. Study abroad through your university or someone else’s is an open door to this possibility. 

“The purpose of college is to understand a world beyond your own perspective,” says Megan Gavin, Records Manager at Boston University’s Study Abroad Department. According to Megan, there is no better way to manifest this idea than venturing overseas. She should know. Megan first opened her eyes to a different way of life when she was 16 and had the unique opportunity to volunteer in Guatemala for two weeks with her school. 

It was in Guatemala, when she was picking coffee, playing with children at an orphanage, and helping with reforestation, that she realized that money doesn’t make a country rich. Megan reflects on this paradigm shift, “Someone shows you a new reality and you see your life is just one truth out of so many truths, and you see how many ideas, approaches, perspectives to the world are out there.” 

To see this contrast of rich versus poor, excess versus meager, and to not label either as good or bad left a lasting impression on Megan. It piqued her curiosity about traveling and about the world, and for this Minnesota native, BU was the natural choice for college. Boston University offers over 40 programs across more than 20 countries during fall, spring, and summer terms, so students can select an opportunity best suited to their needs and interests.