We are thrilled that students are once again availing themselves of the myriad opportunities CGIS offers to enrich their education by engaging with peoples and cultures around the world through study abroad. We have approached the reopening of study abroad cautiously over the past two years, learning how to best navigate evolving responses to the pandemic, and we have happily come to a point where almost all of the options that were available pre-pandemic are once again open to our students.
Among the many benefits of studying abroad are a broader perspective on the interconnectedness of the world, increased empathy for others, enhanced intercultural communication skills, and an openness to dialog with those who come from a context different from one’s own. Given political and cultural tensions both abroad and within our own country, there is perhaps no better time for our students to develop these skills so that they may be brought to bear upon their return home.
The past several years have shown us how fundamentally connected we all are in today’s world, and how it is in our collective best interest to work together towards our common goals. Different cultures approach issues from different angles, and by engaging with cultures that are new to us we learn to examine those issues from distinct perspectives, take into consideration priorities that may diverge from our own, and consider novel solutions to problems that are not limited by borders, beliefs, ideologies or language. Studying abroad is an impactful way to develop these essential skills.
— Michael & Pardip
