Here at Outward Bound Costa Rica we are firm believers that global education rocks! Experiences abroad can be eye-opening and life-changing as students immerse themselves in another culture, learning valuable lessons about themselves, others and the world around them.
But don’t just take our word for it. Here’s five reasons why international education programs are beneficial, straight from our students themselves.
1. Independence
Going abroad on a global education program is a safe and exciting way for young people to gain a sense of independence in a structured environment.
“The biggest surprise during my course was that it is awesome to go out of the country alone,” said Alex Stelter, a participant on the Costa Rica and Panama Service Challenge Girl Scout Destination during summer 2015.
During her course, Alex worked alongside fellow Girl Scouts to and work with local conservation groups in Panama to preserve sea turtle population.
“It was a great independence booster,” she added. “I wanted to spend two weeks in a different country. Before I was nervous but after [the course] I am excited!”
2. Job skills
Participants on global education programs learn job skills, including language, technical and social skills that they can apply to the workforce. Often times these skills and their experiences abroad will even help them
“On my gap year program I learned so many skills that will be applicable to my future career in the outdoor industry,” said Ilia Corella, a student from our Outdoor Leader Semester course in Spring 2015.
“In fact, my experience abroad has already kick-started my career,” she added. “I am now an instructor with Outward Bound Costa Rica. This summer I interned and worked with Girl Scout groups. Now I am excied to be leading more programs in Panama.”
3. Increased levels of motivation
Stepping outside their normal routines and daily surroundings can open students up to new ideas and dreams for future possibilities. This can lead to increased motivation in school work and other aspects that lead to success as students are able to see a benefit to working hard.
“The whole course has inspired me,” said Daniel Holland, a participant on the Outdoor Leader Semester course in spring 2015.
“Words cannot describe the experience of scuba in the Caribbean,” Danny added. “Being able to breathe in a world unnatural to humans was mind-blowing. It taught me that I shouldn’t settle in life. I learned how important to follow your dreams!”
4. Intercultural competence
In an era of increasing globalization and a diversifying business world, intercultural competence has never been more important. Being able to work with people from all different backgrounds and cultures is invaluable in the workforce and in life. Global education programs can serve as a gateway for students understanding different cultures.
“I enjoyed all of the homestays,” said Emma Sandago, a Girl Scout on the Rainforest, River & Reef Destination. During her course Isabella and her fellow Girl Scouts hiked through dense cloud forest and tropical rainforest, camping on the trail and staying with local families in a small farming community.
“They made me feel like I was enveloped in the culture of Costa Rica,” she added. “I came to try new things and experience a new culture.”
5. Patience
With the rise in high speed technologies including smart phones, tablets and WIFI, our culture has come to expect on-demand access to information and entertainment. When traveling to another country, expecially on a education program that encourages technology-free time, students can learn new skills about patience while forced to be disconnected.
“I’m a lot more accepting of other people now then I was when I came here,” said Joseph Bisulca who completed Caribbean Scuba & Service, a two week Summer Expedition in Panama.
“Outward Bound Costa Rica gives a safe environment in a foreign country to learn this,” he added.
And there you have it –five reasons global education rocks straight from our students. Have you had an impactful experience with international education? Let us know in the comments below!