Why Do I Want To Study Abroad Essay

As a first generation college student pursuing my Master’s degree I am completely financially independent and this puts a strain on my finances. I earn $4,500 each semester through my graduate assistantship on campus which helps me pay my day-to-day living expenses such as rent and car insurance, but I rely on student loans to fund the entirety of my education (both undergraduate and graduate). Opportunities to study abroad don’t occur often and I don’t want my financial status to hinder me from pursuing an incredible educational experience. The price of this trip is almost my entire semester’s salary, and that leaves almost no wiggle room to pay the cost of living. Additionally, in the field of higher education there are limited study abroad programs designed for graduate students. The study abroad component of my degree is one of the reasons I decided to stay at Appalachian State instead of going to another university. Traveling to the United Kingdom in an effort to better understand their systems of higher education will allow me to become a better practitioner when I arrive back to …show more content…
One of my personal goals is to pursue my Ph.D. in the next five years. Having the opportunity to study abroad while in graduate school will help me stand out in the admissions process. As one continues through school it becomes tougher to make yourself stand out in a pool of increasingly well-prepared candidates and I know that studying abroad will give me a unique edge. Additionally, as a first generation college student my parents have never been able to afford to travel abroad. Using this trip as an opportunity to learn about myself and grow will be an achievement that no one else in my family has had before. Many of my friends talk about growing as individuals during their times abroad, but I have never had the chance to pursue international education and I want an opportunity to learn more about