Immerse in a new culture with a semester abroad

Going to a university is a big milestone for both students and their parents. Learning independence and pursuing a higher level of study can be challenging. However, this stage also opens up many opportunities for students. For those who want to go beyond the usual college experience, spending a semester abroad can be the perfect option. Here's why:

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 To improve foreign language skills
Mastering a language other than English gives a person a wider understanding of the world. Instead of learning a language within the four walls of the classroom, a great way to boost communication skills is by immersing in the culture. Living in a different country will allow a person to learn the language faster and apply what they have learned in real life.

To expand professional networks and career opportunities
In a globalized workplace, those who have experience living or studying abroad are at an advantage. Spending at least a semester in another country will allow a person to be acquainted with a new culture and people that might be favorable when dealing with professional connections. College is the perfect time to build up one's resume and work experiences.

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To live outside one's comfort zone
While freshman year can be a year of self-discovery, life in college becomes all too familiar after a few semesters. Studying abroad can be a great way to go beyond one's limits. Being exposed to a new campus, new teaching styles, new friends, and even a new language can be tough at first, but it will certainly be a rewarding experience for a young person. Living independently in a foreign country is an experience that will lead to enhanced confidence and a broader worldview.



Andrew Curran, Ph.D., is a member of the Romance Languages and Literatures Department and is currently on the board of Critical Philosophy of Race and Diderot Studies. He is a language, history, and humanities professor at Wesleyan University. For more on Dr. Curran and his work, visit this page.

What to avoid putting in your college application essay

When you start brainstorming subjects, themes, and topics for your college application essay, it is simply too easy to bang out an emotional piece describing or implying your awesomeness as a person. This is a banal take on a college application essay, and is an example of what exactly you should avoid when writing it. Here are more examples of topics of which you should steer clear to improve your chances of acceptance in your dream university.

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Writing about your family. Students usually fall into the emotional trap of writing about how their family shaped their personality. While this is a heartwarming topic, the admissions board doesn’t necessarily care so much about your family. They want to know more about you than your relatives.

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Niche topics. Writing about sports, art, culture, or any topic that are not common knowledge might include a heavy dose of jargon. These topics might not be relatable for general readership, unless you explain your terms thoroughly and connect them to the suitability of your candidacy for admission.

Writing about the ideas of others. A lot of students quote famous philosophers or icons, and this a common mistake. While it might make you seem smart and scholarly, your paraphrased opinion will only come across as disingenuous.






Andrew Curran, Ph.D. is the William Armstrong Professor of the Humanities and Professor of French at Wesleyan University, where he also served as the Dean of the Arts and Humanities from 2009 to 2013. He specializes in the history, culture, and thought of 18th century France, with key interests in the history of race, the history of medicine, and the life and works of Enlightenment polymath and philosopher Denis Diderot. For more articles like this, visit this page .