Why Study Abroad and Regional Studies Matter

Why Study Abroad and Regional Studies Matter

In today’s interconnected world, global understanding is 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 why and how study abroad and regional studies can transform your education and future.

SRAS programs are designed on the principles of regional studies, integrating the classroom with the city, country, and region at large to make the most of your study abroad experience!

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 to people you meet in daily life, the people you meet abroad, both locals and students from other universities with similar interests, often become lifelong friends and professional contacts.
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.
Explore New Academic Perspectives
Study abroad lets you study subjects from local perspectives that you might not see offered at home, helping you discover new ways of viewing problems.

Why Regional Studies

Gain Relevant Knowledge for Your Career
Whether you’re aiming for diplomacy, business, economy, 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 studies programs are interdisciplinary in nature, connecting subjects like political science, literature, economic development, language, and more.
Make Informed Global Citizenship Possible
Understanding a region in depth helps you become a more responsible, informed participant in today’s interconnected world.
Understand the World through Local Perspectives
Regional studies help you see global events through the lens of local experience and history.

SRAS Student Services

"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

"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

"My Dear Renee, I am still in Kazakhstan but can report back we had a perfectly splendid time in Kyrgyzstan. The students and I want to collectively buy a little plot of land and a yurt or house in the village at the base of the mountains. They loved their families and I fell in love with Kenzhe, we want to include her in our documentary. I will be in touch over the next two weeks. Forever grateful to you."
- Jane Knox-Voina, Bowdoin College

"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

"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