Christian Youth & Young Adults

As we are told in this spiritually motivating Bible verse from 2 Timothy 1:7: "The Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."




Using a semester, a year, or even all four years of your degree to study abroad is something that all prospective college students should seriously consider. Going to another country cannot only invaluably enrich your learning experience, but it can help you grow as a person in ways you may not have been able to if you never took the chance. Here are three of the main reasons why studying abroad could be one of the best choices you will ever make:

 

- It will teach you how to be independent

Going to study in another country means that you will be leaving all of your immediate support networks behind. While modern technology will allow you to keep in touch with friends and family, you will still be alone in a way you've likely never experienced before, and it will quickly force you to become more independent and self-reliant. If the prospect of suddenly having to deal with everything on your own scares you, just remember that there is no need to be worried when you know that God is looking out for you at all times. As we are told in this spiritually motivating Bible verse from 2 Timothy 1:7:

 

"The Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."

 

- It will expose you to different ways of thinking

 

Studying abroad forces you to immerse yourself in another culture and quite possibly learn another language as well. This will expose you to ways of thinking that you may have never even considered before. You do not necessarily have to let these new perspectives change your ways of thinking or your own beliefs, but simply being exposed to them can help you become more flexible and more open to different people and different cultures. Seeing how different people work, live, love, and learn can help you make some improvements in your own life.

 

- It will expand all of your horizons

Studying abroad will help to open up doors for you which may have otherwise stayed closed, especially in regards to future employment opportunities. Learning a second language can be extremely beneficial in certain fields, and completing some or all of your degree in another country can help you stand out against other, similar degrees. The connections you make while studying abroad can also shape your future in unexpected ways. You may choose, for example, to go work in that country when you are finished your degree.

 

Studying abroad is not for everyone. You could very well gain the same or even more benefits by remaining close to home or in the same country. Some young people, however, find that staying in their comfort zone hinders their personal growth. If you think that studying abroad might be able to give you the kick you need to become independent, get out of your old ways of thinking, and expand your horizons, then it is definitely something that you should look into.

 

Spiritual Prayer 

From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God.  He said:

“In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry. You hurled me into the depths, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers swept over me. I said, ‘I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.’ The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head. To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you, Lord my God, brought my life up from the pit. “When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you to your holy temple. “Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them. But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord.’”