All too often, people talk themselves out of opportunities of a lifetime due to their fears. There are ample reasons for you to step outside of your comfort zone and explore the world. Having a better quality of life, a well-rounded life is totally attainable. If you are feeling like life is mundane or you are in desperate need of change- then I am writing this post just for you. There's so much for you to learn about yourself and the world.
I was 27 years old and working for a very reputable investment and banking firm when I made the decision to take a sabbatical from work to study in Ghana, West Africa. People my age are usually more settled into their career, but I was discontent with where I was professionally. I had reached the 'glass ceiling' and needed to take some risks in order to take my career to new heights. I desperately needed a change so I gave up everything for the once in a lifetime opportunity to live and learn on the other side of globe. I made a lot of sacrifices, but it was all worth it in the end. Studying abroad changed my life.
While I was in Ghana, I met so many people from other parts of the United States that were in a similar position as myself. I met an incredible woman that worked for a law firm for 20 years and was suddenly laid off. She had spent the next 2 years in a state of depression before she finally decided to go back to school. An opportunity to study in Africa presented itself and my dear friend made no hesitations seizing the opportunity. It had always been a dream of hers to visit the Mother Land. I met another woman that had also studied in Ghana in 2000 through the Missouri-Africa Program and she took her 8 year old son with her. The school and the International Studies department at UMSL were very accommodating and helped her get her child enrolled in school and settle living arrangements on campus. These 2 women I mentioned, along with myself, prove a valid point- that anything is possible if you just believe. You may have doubts and you may think those hurdles can't be jumped but if you just take the first step- faith will guide you the rest of the way. There is so much for you to learn about yourself. Studying abroad will give you a new perspective on life.
It's Affordable: For most programs, the amount it costs to study abroad is equitable to a semester that you would spend at your home school. The Missouri-Africa Program at UMSL did a great job of lumping all my travel expenses into my tuition bill. The program fees, round-trip flight, and hostel accommodations were all incorporated into my tuition bill for the semester.
In addition to that, the cost of living in Ghana is very reasonable because the American dollar has sufficient buying power. You can eat breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert for less than $3 a day.
It's a networking opportunity: I made solid friendships with people from all over the world. If I am ever in the Bay area or in the UK, I will definitely have a place to stay because of the friendships I've made.
It's a Resume Builder: Studying abroad is a definite resume builder! The experience automatically distinguishes you from other applicants. When I returned from Ghana, I started applying for jobs that were beyond my career level. Employers took interest immediately and even mentioned my experience of studying abroad as their primary attraction to my resume.
There is so much for you to learn about yourself and the rest of the world if you study abroad. I hope you seize the opportunity!!
