Within a year, the average family takes about two vacations, and the ideal length is eight days according to U.S. Travel Association. Imagine spending a whole year in a foreign location! For Xavier’s eight foreign exchange students, that is exactly what they are doing.
Statistics say that studying abroad instills lasting life skills, such as doing well in foreign environments and learning how to adapt to new challenges. Students leave their exchange with a better sense of culture and improved language skills.
“It was my dream to study abroad and I think it’s the dream of all French people,” sophomore Maelle Barroche said. “I think I wanted to see all the different cultures.”
Itisproventhatwhenstudents are placed in classes with cultural differences, they blossom intellectually. While culture is a main learning goal, these student still focus on everyday classes. In a survey conducted by Brown Center Report, 66.4% of foreign exchange students say American classes are easier.
“I think the classes are easier here than in Vietnam,” junior Hoang Nguyen said. However, language can still prove to be a barrier. The average number of languages spoken by Americans is 1.15 according to the American Community Survey Reports. Most foreign exchange students speak three to four additional languages. Many of these students study abroad to improve their language. It has been proven by IES Abroad News, that when put into a situation where growth is inevitable, it is easier to learn and to apply knowledge. By studying in America, foreign exchange students put themselves into a position of learning. Overall, studying abroad is bene cial for many students. Theyhaveabetterunderstanding of language and culture. Within the year, they will develop other skills such as problem solving and adapting.