Cultural differences are of challenging nature. One may or may not be able to adapt to the circumstances. However, it is important to benefit from this aspect of studying abroad because it ultimately proves helpful in practical life endeavors. John Irvin, the author of the bestseller The World According to Garp, studied philosophy in Vienna as a foreign student and proclaims that for him exploring Vienna was an experience of a life time and helped a lot in his professional career. That is mainly due to the impact a strange land produces on a newcomer, which eventually becomes a life-changing experience altogether. Tania Xu, the runner-up of 2010 Students Writing Contest, decided to study in Prague because of the great political, cultural and social experience that the opportunity entailed.
The first aspect of cultural difference is the alien language that is spoken in the host country. From a positive perspective, getting to learn a new language without even paying the fee is a great advantage. Anna Harrison, currently studying in Beijing, confirms that the experience of learning Chinese language will be very beneficial in her practical life since China is the emerging super power of the world. Language difference can also help you in attaining a job abroad. For instance, if you are English and choose to study abroad, Prague is not only a great academic destination but according to an article from "Inter Nations" teaching English will be a pre-determined opportunity in this particular region.
If the cultural difference is immense and wide-ranged, then there is an opportunity that one might be able to influence others with their own specific traditions and customs. An Iranian student Nadia Sorkhabi, who is enrolled in a master in Psychology program at University of California, abides by this aspect of studying abroad and says that such an exposure work both ways. Various institutions such as the Charles University in Prague include cultural expeditions within the land as a mandatory part of their respective study programs. Through this methodology, foreign students not only learn about the salient features of a new culture, but also eventually get accustomed to it. Cultural difference is an inevitable part of studying abroad, but provides an opportunity to communicate and mingle with students from all over the world. In a survey study conducted by the Institute of International Education of Students declared that around 52 percent of the students who passed out during the 90s were in touch even in 2002. This aspect of studying abroad certainly lets you create a wide array of contacts in different parts of the world and help you maintain a healthy social life.
It is important to remember that when one decides to study abroad, being mentally prepared for a cultural shock proves advantageous and students will rapidly accommodate in a foreign land.
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