Broaden Your Horizons

Mia Muneketa
University Vina Del Mar, Chile

I am not sure if i can explain exactly why students, especially the local population, should study abroad. As a citezen for the world, I think it's important that you experience other places. I suppose I could put it like this...because I grew up in Hawaiʻi my culture lenses are very colorful. We have this incredible fusion of traditions in Hawaiʻi that is normal for a local kid. But around the world that is not so common. It's not so common to go Bon Dancing in the summer, celebrate Chinese New Year and learn the hula in elementary school for May Day. Now that I have been here in Chile for the past 4 or so months I come to realize how special and unique the background is. I always knew it was different but I never truly appreciated how lucky I was to grow up in Hawaiʻi until now. And I am not just saying you should study abroad to miss Hawaiʻi.

You should study abroad because it broadens your horizons and opens doors for future endeavors. Just Do It! You will meet many amazing people. I have met several since arriving here in Chile that I probably would have never met otherwise. And I intend to stay in contact with them and maintain a friendship. So start planning your study abroad ASAP, don't even think twice about it. Just Do It! I have never once regretted my decision to study abroad. My only regret is that I hadn't done it sooner.