I have lived overseas and as a college expert I can see the value of a cross cultural experience for the college student. The United States is a country of immigrants but contrary to countries such as Europe and Australia, we do not always expose our youth to other cultures. Opinions are made from being exposed to cultures in the neighborhoods of the USA. For example, China town, the border towns of Mexico, little Italy…

The education our college students receive should not be limited to the class room. There are some amazing semester abroad programs that will change your student forever. It opens their eyes to a bigger world. I also think it introduces tolerance for cultures outside our own.

Visit this web site for an example of a study abroad program in China: www.allianceglobaled.org . Brian D. Hammer, Ph.D. is the Director of this Shanghai Program. Another program I am familiar with is through NYU. Steven Paul Bielinski is the Student Life Coordinator. These are just two examples of programs available for college students.

Not to worry, students earn college credits while studying abroad. They also make contacts that may come in handy after graduation. The best part is, its fun, educational and life altering.