College Study Tours: The Top Benefits of Learning Abroad

Last Updated on February 28, 2017

Inside the classroom, we can read, listen, write and talk about different topics or see them on pictures where we are able to use our imagination; and only our imagination sets the limit. But in many subjects like the arts, history, and culture, being in the actual place helps us understand, to a certain degree feel for ourselves what it's like and to personally experience the subject through study tours. That is one reason why study tours are being more and more prevalent among students of any age.

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What is a study Tour?

A study tour is an experience where students study abroad as an alternative to traditional classroom-based learning. Students are required to meet course objectives and graded on specific learning outcomes based on the class syllabus. Traditional travel destinations include:

• Europe region
• Asia region
• Latin America region
• USA and Canda region
• Austraila region
• New Zeland region

The most common ages for travelers are 18-35 years old.

Here are the benefits of study tours to students:

Aids in learning

As one famous adage goes and I quote, “There's no education quite like the lessons of travel.” It is a great and effective way to learn specific subjects beyond textbooks and lectures. Joining a study tour with an expert guide who's very knowledgeable about the place or topic is like having on-hand answers to questions that may not be fully accounted in some books. A study gives you a solid picture of how or what one really is when seen in person.

When we talk of a sculpture, let's say the famous Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, Denmark, seeing it on a picture, many of us may have said to ourselves, I wonder how it looks in person or what made it very interesting. Once you see the actual piece and how impressive and detailed the work is, then you now have instant answers to your questions. Most famous sites even have their own facilities that hold records of a site's/subject's history, founding and everything related to it.

Creates a new and fun experience

We may have heard from someone before that “we learn from experience.” While good teaching is still an important learning foundation for each of us (especially during our younger years – and I don't think that can be easily replaced) the world is also an effective classroom. Although classroom learning can be rewarding, long hours of lectures may sometimes be a daunting event; an option for a study tour anytime in the course of study can be an exciting and fun new experience that students may look forward to.

A study tour helps students appreciate their field of study more and it really helps them better realize the interaction between their chosen fields of study to the rest of the world. Study tours help students open themselves to many possibilities that are not just contained in one geographical location or culture.

Study tours expose students to other cultures

Study tours can be a great way to learn new things about different cultures and be aware of certain differences between them, as well as similarities. It makes students see certain issues in a new perspective and some study tours even allow students to immerse themselves in a different community even if it's just a short period of time. In return, they are exposed to cultures of different socio-economic statuses which help them build compassion and better understanding for these cultures. To a certain extent, we can say that study tours allow people to gain a new perspective on things simply because they've been there; they have experienced it and somehow built a connection to that culture or place.

Opportunity to find new interests and enhance existing ones

After traveling to many places, there will be different things you'll see that may not be available or done in your area or country. Being exposed first hand to things related to your study, as well as new things you'll see for the first time, there are a lot of opportunities for you to discover new interests or enhance existing passions. A lot of business ideas nowadays are based on things they saw in another place but couldn't find it in another – so they decide to build one.

Builds friendship and enhance social skills

Spending time with people outside of the classroom and exploring and finding new things together definitely allows students to have and share a common experience. Especially if you are traveling to a different country for your study tour, before leaving it is definitely advisable to somehow learn quite a few words as well as common practices in that country for a better social experience. Let's say, you are traveling to Denmark, it wouldn't hurt to learn a few helpful Danish words, don't you think? And once you're in that country, maximize the opportunity to socialize with locals; you might learn a thing or two that is way different from the country you came from.

Good study tours offer great possibilities to people of different ages and cultures. They are definitely an effective tool for experiential learning not only about your field of study but also its relation and effects to different places and culture. Study tours may be arranged to accommodate both small and large groups and depending on your needs. Check out your course syllabus if a study tour is included or reputable travel agencies to find out more about your options for great study trips.

So go ahead! Take advantage of a study tour opportunity, make new friends, increase your knowledge and understanding, and explore new terrains, people, and culture.

Abigail Agres and Kaylee Wilson are lifestyle and mom bloggers. They write for TeamBenns, Denmark's premier travel agency for group travel and student tours.