Please note, this post is sponsored by Diamond Bloggers. Thank you.
If I could sum up my adult life in one word it would be thrifty. A word that became synonymous with my debt-free lifestyle at home. But one of the few areas in my life where I don’t cut corners on in price is my family’s ability to travel. Because for me, I firmly believe that travel is one of the greatest investments you can make in creating a global perspective for yourself and others.
And I know first-hand. As a teenager, I studied abroad in France. Then in college, I traveled, missioned, and studied in Malaysia, South Africa, Central America, and many parts of Western Europe. Adventures that helped make to mold me into being the well-rounded, empathetic, politically-savvy person that I am today.
I would work one of two jobs at a time, including work-study positions, to make travel plans possible. Now as a married woman with a family of my own, I want to make sure that I am willing and able to extend these opportunities to my family as well.
So if you have ever considered having your child study abroad but were still on the fence, here are three reasons to consider taking the plunge and allowing your child to study abroad:
1. You can see the world
The biggest reason you should consider a study abroad program for your child is that you will enable them to step outside their comfort zone and enable them with the opportunity to see the world. By studying abroad, your child will experience the culture, culinary traditions, and get first-hand anthropological experience with each host nation they visit. Travels that will leave an indelible impact on their view of the world around them.
In addition, when you’re abroad, your child will potentially not be limited to traveling in just the nation in which you are studying – you can see neighboring countries as well! For example, when I studied in France, I had opportunities to travel through various parts of Europe including London, Barcelona, and Rome. And your child can too!
2 Take in a New Culture
Many students who choose to study abroad are leaving their home for the first time. When they arrive in their new host country, they are fascinated by the distinct cultural perspectives. When you study abroad you will find incredible new foods, customs, traditions, and social atmospheres. During my own travels, I found that by studying other cultures allowed me to develop a better understanding and appreciation of the nation’s people and history. None of which would have been possible had I not been able to witness new ways of life in other nations for myself!
3. Educational opportunities
Another reason you might consider having your child studying abroad is for the chance that they might experience different styles of education. By enrolling in a study abroad program, your child will have the chance to see a side of their major or an area of interest that they may not have been exposed to at home.
Personally, I found that by completely immersing myself in the education system of my various host countries I was able to really experience each nations people, traditions, and culture.
With education as the centerpiece of your travels, choosing the right school is a very important factor for parents and students alike. One great study abroad opportunity you may not be aware of is the Kalu Yala study abroad program.
Kalu Yala is a study abroad program offering students the ability to study, work, and live in a sustainable town. The town is located in the Tres Brazos Valley, 50 minutes from Panama City and about 35 minutes from Panama’s International Airport.
This program centers on an ongoing sustainability building site. Which acts as both a midterm project for students and as a conduit for environmental and socially responsible communities projects.
Jimmy Stice, the creator, and CEO of Kalu Yala working with Moule & Polyzoides Architects and Urbanists based in Pasadena, CA, developed much of this New Urbanism project.
Since Summer 2010, The Kalu Yala Institute has offered students from around the world the opportunity to conduct research projects on sustainable living and zero-waste living efficacy. Kalu Yala Institute classes of choice include agriculture, biology, business, education and community development, design, culinary arts, health, wellness, and outdoor recreational sports.
As of Fall 2015, Kalu Yala has hosted students from 48 states, 25 countries, and 150 colleges. With each student being able to Tailor their own academic program to align with their own graduate and study goals. Projects that always center on sustainable community awareness.
Like with many study abroad programs, Kalu Yala problems have been plenty. Afterall, it’s in the jungle! But as a collective effort has worked diligently to move past its growing pain stages. In fact, you can see not only what Jungletown really looks like for yourself but also to find out the truth about Kalu Yala too!
Friends, I encourage you to find out more about this awesome program and to consider sending your child to study abroad this season! Now I want to ask, have you studied abroad or are you considering sending your child to study abroad? Or are you a college student looking for study abroad options for yourself? Let me know your opinions below!