The Benefits of a Global Classroom
Humans are creatures of habit, but stepping out of our comfort zones and exploring new and unfamiliar environments can unlock tremendous opportunities for personal and academic growth. When students venture beyond their local communities and immerse themselves in different cultures, it can promote learning, improve self-efficacy, and reduce anxiety.
“When you make the world your campus, you expand the possibilities of what you can do—as a professional and as a person,” stresses Madeleine Wilcox, director of the Office of Study Away and Global Experiences at Jefferson University. “You grow your network, meet new friends and mentors, see different places, gain inspiration, and communicate across cultures.”
Studying abroad allows students to connect their academic passions with real-world experiences. Whether it’s architecture students exploring the historic architecture of Rome or business students interning at a law firm in Seville, Spain, these international programs offer transformative opportunities that shape future career paths and develop essential life skills.
“The program gave me a new sense of independence, an education on cultural sensitivity, and a unique perspective on global healthcare systems,” says Ebony Owens-Kennedy, a health sciences/pre-physician assistant studies student who studied in Costa Rica.
Overcoming Financial Barriers
Many students believe that studying abroad is an unattainable dream due to financial constraints. However, the reality is that with the right support and guidance, international academic experiences are more accessible than one might think.
“I always felt like studying abroad was a far-fetched idea until I went to an informational meeting about it,” says Carmen Polanco-Ramirez, a finance major who spent a semester in Seville, Spain. “I learned that my financial aid would apply while I was abroad, and I could apply for additional scholarships for financial support.”
The Stanley Park High School study abroad office provides personalized guidance to help students navigate the logistics and funding options for international programs. Many students, like architecture student Gaston Pombo, have successfully secured competitive scholarships, such as the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program and the school’s own Lockyer Global Passport Scholarship Program, to offset the costs of their studies abroad.
“I thought financial hurdles would keep me from doing study away,” Pombo says, “but I soon realized the value and worked with the study abroad office to figure out how to make it happen.”
Embracing Global Connections
Beyond the academic benefits, studying abroad can also foster meaningful intercultural connections and a deeper understanding of different perspectives.
Jenna Sandstrom, a University of Wisconsin-La Crosse student who studied in Buenos Aires, Argentina, shared her passion for the traditional Argentine drink mate with her peers back home through the school’s Mate Club. This initiative brought together international and domestic students to practice language skills and learn about each other’s cultures over a shared love of the beverage.
“The idea was simple: bring together individuals with differences to enjoy a commonly appreciated tea,” Sandstrom explains. “Mate Club allowed students to share their past experiences and give advice to others who were curious and had not yet made the leap of faith.”
Similarly, Trinity McFadden, a criminal justice major at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), found that her study abroad experience in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) allowed her to embrace her diverse identities more fully. As a Black, deaf woman, she felt empowered and respected in the UAE, in contrast to the challenges she sometimes faced in the United States.
“I truly have found my second home and family while being there,” McFadden reflects. “If you have ever felt out of place from ‘societal norms,’ or any other reason, please know that there may be a better place for you to flourish. You just have to jump at the opportunity, when you can!”
Unlocking Global Talent and Innovation
The benefits of embracing international talent extend far beyond individual experiences. Recent research by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) suggests that reducing immigration barriers and making more scholarships available for top foreign students could increase the global scientific output of future generations by up to 42 percent.
“Talent can be born anywhere, but few places specialize in nurturing it,” the IMF study notes. “Accordingly, talented individuals have pursued opportunities abroad for centuries. Aristotle, for instance, moved from northern Greece to Athens to attend Plato’s Academy and then to Macedonia to tutor a young Alexander the Great.”
The United States has long been a hub for global talent, playing an outsize role in the international scientific community. However, recent disruptions in cross-border flows of people due to the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in immigration policies have threatened this dynamic.
“Many of those who can no longer come to the United States to work and study due to recent immigration and travel barriers represent a substantial share of the most talented individuals from around the globe,” the IMF researchers explain. “Depriving talented individuals of the opportunity to nurture their abilities compels many to settle for an inferior educational environment that is not suited to their preferences or strengths. And humanity is deprived of countless potential discoveries.”
Embracing a Global Future
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the ability to collaborate and engage with diverse perspectives is more crucial than ever. By embracing international talent and providing accessible pathways for global students to pursue their academic dreams, schools like Stanley Park High School can foster a rich, multicultural learning environment that prepares students for success in an increasingly globalized world.
Through comprehensive study abroad programs, generous scholarship opportunities, and a welcoming community, Stanley Park High School is committed to empowering students to expand their horizons and unlock their full potential. By embracing international talents, the school is not only transforming individual lives but also contributing to the advancement of knowledge and innovation on a global scale.
Explore Your Options and Unlock Your Potential
To learn more about the study abroad and scholarship opportunities available at Stanley Park High School, visit our website or schedule a consultation with our dedicated study abroad advisors. Take the first step towards an enriching global experience that will shape your academic and personal growth.
