Talk to someone who has studied abroad and they will most certainly tell you that it's one of the most rewarding and life-changing experiences that he or she has ever done. Perhaps you're not certain what benefits you can reap from an extended stay in a foreign country. Here are some excellent reasons why you should take the plunge:

Travel

Since studying abroad often puts you on a completely different continent, you are much closer to places you might otherwise not have had the opportunity to visit.

Get to know another culture first-hand

Students who experience cultural differences personally can come to truly understand where other cultures are coming from.

Learn a language

There is no better and more effective way to learn a language than to be immersed in a culture that speaks the language you are learning.

Develop skills in a global classroom

Being immersed in an entirely new cultural setting is an opportunity to discover new strengths and abilities, conquer new challenges, and solve new problems.

Make friends around the world

While abroad, you will meet not only natives to the culture in which you are studying, but also other international students who are as far from home as yourself. Imagine the networking possibilities in your future!

Learn about yourself

Students who study abroad return home with new ideas and perspectives about themselves and their own culture.

Expand your worldview

Students who study abroad return home with an informed and positively altered perspective toward other cultures and peoples.

Break out of your academic routine

You will become familiar with an entirely new academic system and you will have the chance to take courses not offered on your home campus.

Enhance employment opportunities

Through an employer's eyes, a student who has studied abroad is self-motivated, independent, willing to embrace challenges, and able to cope with diverse problems and situations.

Study abroad is affordable

Exchange programs are an affordable way to study abroad as you pay NDSU tuition and fees. Financial aid and most scholarships still apply towards your time abroad.

Speak a foreign language?

Most programs offer classes taught in English, even in non-English speaking countries. However, studying a language while abroad is encouraged as it's the best way to gain proficiency

Go abroad after freshman year

Check with your department to determine the best time to study abroad for your major. Grade point requirements may vary by program, but a minimum GPA of 2.5 is required.

Study abroad can fit into your academic plan

Earn credits while abroad, both towards general education requirements as well as towards your major. Students in any major can study abroad and by planning ahead, most are able to graduate on time

Variety of programs and lengths to choose from

Options include: exchange programs, International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), sponsored programs, faculty-led programs or affiliate providers. Choose from short-term, summer, semester and year-long.

It's a great time to go abroad!

Once you have a job and responsibilities, it may be difficult to get away for any length of time. Also, traveling as a tourist is a different experience than living as an integrated part of a foreign culture.