Colleges and universities should require their students to spend at least one semester studying in a foreign country.
Write a response in which you discuss your views on the policy and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider the possible consequences of implementing the policy and explain how these consequences shape your position.
Many universities around the world, including my own, require students to spend at least one semester abroad during their undergraduate years. However, some argue that this requirement is ineffective in fostering students’ sense of global citizenship. Of late, there have been several noteworthy events which prove this claim
The first incident occurred in September of 2012, when the Syrian Civil War began, and millions of Syrians fled their homes. Throughout the ensuing years, the Syrian civil war, which has since been dubbed ‘the world’s worst humanitarian crisis,’ has claimed the lives of over 250,000 people and produced over 6 million refugees. While many students remain abroad, others travel to the United States, Europe, or Canada, seeking asylum. Although several European countries have begun accepting Syrian refugees, the United States has restricted its acceptance of refugees to 10,000 people per year. Thus, students who spend a semester abroad at a time when the United States refuses to accept refugees can find themselves feeling alienated by many of their peers. While students can still travel to other countries, such as the United Kingdom or Canada, they risk being rejected if they misrepresent their reasons for visiting these countries. Furthermore, many schools require students to complete an internship or research internship, which can be difficult to complete during a student’s semester abroad
Another notable event took place this past April, when the United States began to bomb Syria after the Syrian government used chemical weapons on its own citizens. Students who were abroad during the bombings were outraged by the abuse of civil liberties. Some, such as John Oliver, even urged the United States to further escalate its involvement in the Syrian civil war. Some students were quick to respond with opposition to Oliver’s actions. A political science professor at the University of Alabama, for example, announced that she would bar students from taking ‘Oliver’s class’ if their grades did not improve. While universities often encourage students to express themselves and engage in dialogue, they may not encourage the expression of such controversial opinions. Furthermore, some universities, such as the University of Alabama, have campuses located in war zones, such as Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Thus, some professors may have an ethical responsibility to allow their students some leeway in expressing their opinions
Despite these unfortunate events, many students find living abroad to be an invaluable experience. Moreover, the students who are most affected by the recent political turmoil are international students, who often come from countries whose political systems are very different from those of their home countries. Thus, these students have the least experience interacting with people from other cultures. A semester abroad, in which they can learn to communicate with others in a different nation, can help them to become better global citizens
Additionally, students who are required to spend a semester abroad often gain an appreciation for the language and culture of their host nation. While attending a local university, students are exposed to a local culture. However, a semester abroad gives students a chance to immerse themselves in a different culture, allowing them to gain a better understanding of their host nation. Furthermore, students who study abroad often form lifelong friendships with other students who come from other countries. These friendships often continue long after graduation, and this bond of friendship can help them to feel more connected to the international community
Although I agree that students should spend at least one semester abroad during their undergraduate years, I believe that this alone is not enough to foster a sense of global citizenship. Colleges and universities should require their students to participate in at least one extracurricular activity during their time at school. This can include participating in local volunteer organizations, such as food banks, or engaging in international volunteering activities. Additionally, students should be encouraged to take a foreign language course during their undergraduate years. While studying abroad, students can often enroll in language courses, which can help them to improve their language skills. Finally, students should be encouraged to travel to other countries, even if only during spring break. By participating in these activities, students can gain valuable insight into other cultures, and these experiences can eventually help to foster a sense of global citizenship.