Maggy Prasetyo: Exchange at Dongguk University, South Korea

Study Abroad: Yes or No?
Maggy Prasetyo, Accounting
Exchange at Dongguk University, South Korea (Spring 2014)

Mountain Climbing at Dongguk

When I first entered university, I thought nothing beats having good grades and graduating on time. However I found something cooler in my fourth semester; it is student exchange program. Student exchange is so popular these days and a lot of students seek international experience opportunities. At the same time, universities are making their best effort in providing partnerships with foreign universities.

The first thing that might come into your mind when you think about student exchange is the chance of visiting another country. Studying abroad gives you the fascinating experience of getting to know other people from a whole lot of different countries, some of them you might have never even heard of. What is so precious about it is the chance to learn their cultures in person, which is definitely more fun than reading about them in books.

Firefly Festival in Muju

Language learning is one of the biggest advantages of studying abroad as bilingualism/multilingualism makes an essential skill nowadays. Studying abroad provides an environment that enforces the efficiency of language learning by requiring you to use the local language to communicate. You will be amazed at how much you have improved after you come back from abroad.

Some changes are even more rewarding. You will find yourself to be more independent and confident as we are away from our family and friends. We learn to do things on our own and take responsibility of our own financial situation and living arrangements. While this might not be easy to adapt to at first, I believe growth and maturity happen when we get out of our comfort zone.

Lantern Festival at Jogyesa Temple

These are just a few of the many benefits you can get from studying abroad. Even though people think studying abroad is a waste of money and time, I believe it is a good investment for a better future. So I would say “YES” for studying abroad…