Why Study Abroad and Regional Studies Matter

Why Study Abroad and Regional Studies Matter

In today’s interconnected world, global understanding isn’t just valuable — it’s essential. Whether you’re exploring new cultures firsthand through study abroad or diving deep into the history, politics, and languages of a specific region, these experiences open doors to personal growth, academic enrichment, and meaningful careers, including international careers. This page outlines the key reasons why both paths can transform your education — and your future.

1. Why Study Abroad?

Gain a Global Perspective
Immersing yourself in another culture challenges your assumptions and broadens your worldview. You’ll return home with new ways of thinking and problem-solving.
Boost Your Career Opportunities
Employers value international experience. Studying abroad shows initiative, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication skills.
Enhance Your Resume
Even if you’re not planning an international career!Study abroad shows initiative, maturity, and curiosity.
Learn Through Immersion
Language, history, and culture come alive when you’re living them. Classroom learning is enriched by firsthand experiences.
Build Independence and Confidence
Navigating a new country helps you grow personally. You’ll gain resilience, independence, and the confidence to thrive in unfamiliar situations.
Build Connections
From roommates to professors, the people you meet abroad often become lifelong friends and professional contacts.
Explore New Academic Interests
Study abroad lets you take courses not offered at home, helping you discover new fields or deepen your major from a different perspective.

Why Regional Studies

Understand the World through Local Perspectives
Regional studies help you see global events through the lens of local lived experience and history.
Gain Relevant Knowledge for Your Career
Whether you’re aiming for diplomacy, business, development, or journalism, regional expertise sets you apart.
Gain Language and Cultural Fluency
Studying a region often involves learning its language, making you a more effective communicator and collaborator.
Challenge Stereotypes and Simplistic Narratives
Regional studies foster critical thinking by exposing you to diverse voices and complex realities.
Engage with Real-World Issues
From migration and climate change to conflict and innovation, regional studies connect academic learning to global challenges.
Bridge Disciplines
Regional programs combine political science, literature, economics, and more—giving you a truly interdisciplinary education.
Make Informed Global Citizenship Possible
Understanding a region in depth helps you become a more responsible, informed participant in today’s interconnected world.
Consider an Introduction to the Language
Engage with countries on their own terms—learning even a bit of the local language shows respect and opens deeper conversations.

SRAS Student Services

"A long overdue thank you for the wonderful trip you and your staff planned for the Drew group in St. Petersburg. I have never had a trip where NOTHING went wrong. It was a terrific experience from start to finish, your staff was superb and St. Petersburg Economics University was a marvelous host. We enjoyed each and every lecture and guide, and the many fine added touches. I would love to do this again."
- Dr. Carol R. Ueland, Drew University

"The SRAS guides were excellent! They really knew their stuff and were able to relate the history of the places we visited in an interesting and inventive way. It was obvious they had a lot of experience working with American students."
- Charles Arndt III, Union College

"Thanks again to (SRAS Assistant Director) Josh Wilson for being so helpful with getting us started! At our concluding discussion class yesterday I asked the students to write and then present five "Kliuchevykh slov" about their experience. Several of them wound up referencing Josh's comments about trying to observe without judging, which he made during the Moscow Walking Tour. Thanks for helping me teach this course!"
- Jane Costlow, Bates College

"We had a great time overall. The students were super impressed with SRAS -- the guides, the accommodations, the excursions, etc. The guides were super knowledgeable and kind--the only thing that would improve the tours is volume. They tend to speak quietly so a few people who can't hear lose interest. But we loved the Hermitage art project and Novgorod, and the bunker, and going behind the fountains at Peterhof, and the boat to Peterhof... We loved everything!"
- Ona Renner-Fahey, University of Montana

"Renee, the work that you do is so far beyond any kind of formal service or trip planning in your vision, scope, and ability to think of absolutely everything and anticipate potential problems in advance. You clearly have a gift for this."
- Andrea Lanoux, Connecticut College