The benefits of studying abroad and making the most of your experience by Evie Copeland

There​‍ is no doubt that studying abroad ranks among the most helpful and life-altering experiences  that any student may have. It can be challenging, but it is also an opportunity for developing  yourself not only academically but also professionally and personally. It is not only about the  cultures and the experiences you get to know, but also about the perspectives and the bonds that  you will keep ​‍forever. 

San​‍ Francisco State University is privileged to have a diverse student population that can fully  utilize this experience. Being located in one of the most vibrant, multicultural, and creative cities of the world, the university offers a learning environment that is not only kind but also global. San Francisco is a city where the interaction of intellectuals is happening, and this is the place where you will find the merging of technology, art, activism, and ​‍business. To study abroad in this city means not only to participate in classes but also to fully get involved with a city that is always curious, welcoming, and wanting to be explored. 

First and foremost, there are numerous individual and societal advantages of studying abroad at San Francisco State University, and one of them is to gain new viewpoints. Changing one’s place  of residence to another country for studying might alter one’s worldview. You will recognise  communication, customs, education, and values as the differences that happen to be in a new  culture. Among​‍ American colleges, San Francisco State University leads in diversity of the student  body. The university is like a small world where more than a hundred different nationalities coexist  and create a liberal atmosphere that makes one think globally. San Francisco is another factor  enhancing this experience. The city is a global center of innovation, activism, and art, to name a  few. San Francisco’s vast immigrant history and its constantly changing tech scene makes it a  living classroom where one is challenged to think critically about culture, identity, and community. Independence​‍ and self-confidence are among the advantages that come with living in a foreign  country. It is an experience common to all, which can be compared to the usual life aspects such  as using the public transportation system, handling money, cooking for oneself, and managing  one's social and academic activities. San​‍ Francisco is a city that fosters individual growth and  knowledge. The chaotic life pace, the community's liberal attitude, and the unlimited learning  opportunities all contribute to the making of a student who is self-assured and proficient in ​‍ managing. Each obstacle, from working out the Muni or BART to getting familiar with the new  neighbourhood, thus, increases your self-confidence. This is one characteristic: at the end of your  program, you will not only have gained essential life skills, but you will also have a strong sense of  independence, which will be advantageous in the years to ​‍come. 

One​‍ more advantage of this is to gain the ability of intercultural communication. In different  locations, you will be capable of hearing, watching, and changing your communication manner.  Such capabilities are valuable in both your personal and professional spheres. Diversity​‍ at San  Francisco State University is not just acknowledged but is also very much a part of the  university's daily life. At university, doing work which breaks down cultural barriers, and  participating in community initiatives that facilitate cultural understanding will be your ​‍ experiences. The experience is made even better by San Francisco. It is a location where within a  day, you can hear different languages, where multiple cultures live and interact amicably, and  where being non-discriminative is not only a principle but a norm. By being educated here, you  will become a more empathetic person, a culturally aware ​‍communicator. 

There are several academic and career benefits of studying abroad at San Francisco State  University. The first is to access academic opportunities. Considering​‍ its vast array of programs  and resources, SF State is a perfect place for studying abroad and benefiting academically. Being  a university, SF State is committed to experiential learning, social justice, environmentally friendly  practices, and innovative qualities that prepare students for a lasting impact in the real world. Any​‍ student worldwide is allowed to take up a course that interests them, like film, business,  international relations, computer science, or creative writing, etc. A diverse faculty from different  parts of the globe is teaching these courses. Moreover, you can also participate in a research  project, internship, or community-based education that will help you grow your academic  experience a lot more than just a ​‍class. Imagine​‍ if you were to go abroad for studies at San  Francisco State University. Not only that you have an opportunity to explore various teaching  methods, but you can also indulge yourself in novel courses and different education systems that  will perfectly complement the education you have received ​‍at home. As a matter of fact, this is 

how one's language and communication skills will be improved. If English is not your first  language, a study environment at San Francisco State University would be perfect for the  enhancement of your English skills. From the discussions in the classes to the everyday chat with  the classmates, one will in no time get the confidence to make his/her expressions in a clear and  effective way. Native speakers, too, are not left out in this international community. You learn to  change your language and manner of presentation to communicate with people from different  backgrounds effectively. 

Moreover, you will also become a great asset to the world labor market. The presentation  employers of today want to employ people who are capable of adjusting, being creative, and at  the same time being culturally informed. The life experiences that you get from SF State are the  ones that will nurture these essential skills in you. The area around the San Francisco Bay is home  to some of the world's best and most influential enterprises, so you get a behind-the-scenes view  of the different industries that are going to shape the future. Internships, workshops, and campus  career events can help you figure out how to succeed in the international, multicultural  workplaces of today. Before graduation, you will be able to walk into a global workforce without any trace of nervousness, as you will have all the skills and insight that make you different from other ​‍graduates. 

During​‍ your time abroad, to be able to enjoy and get all the benefits from it, you should be very much involved in the. Joining​‍ a student club, volunteering for a project, or attending a college event are some of the most amazing ways to meet new people and get familiar with them.  Moreover,​‍ you might step outside your room and explore the town. In fact, it is highly  recommended that you utilize the entire transit transport system and find out what San Francisco  has planned for you. On top of that, you can mix and talk with others: make friends with  professors, classmates, and career people. Furthermore, you can also keep a record of this trip:  having a notebook, a blog, or a photo diary in which you reminisce about your experiences and  recognise your growth. Ultimately, you must keep an open mind: accept the challenges and be  kind to ​‍yourself. Every experience, even the tough ones, will eventually lead to your personal and  academic ​‍growth. 

By​‍ a long shot, the experience of studying abroad is not much about learning things, but rather  about figuring out your identity, your values, and the ways you could be of use to the world. A  global education at San Francisco State University is what you are really getting besides a degree.  It is education that is linked with one of the most vibrant cities in the world. The memories from  San Francisco State University will not be the only things that you take away with you. In addition  to that, you will have gained new independence, friendships for life, and the assurance of your  ability to make it anywhere your next adventure is going to ​‍be.