Summer 2023 #1

May 22, 2023

by Raymond Manes, Executive Director, MUDEC

The following is an adaptation of a letter written to the Spring 2023 students for their yearbook.

Over the last weeks, US newspapers and magazines reported alarming considerations coming from certain political wings assuming study abroad was useless and easily replaceable by alternatives. Why go to Europe, Asia or Australia if you can learn in the US?

Do you know that assuming is one of my most favorite words? No, just kidding; assuming means not knowing and trying to put your own wishful thinking into somebody else’s mouth. So, if you have learned nothing else over the last 4 months, please retain that you should not simply assume!

As Ambassadors of Miami’s jewel, you are well placed to explain to these people how a week in Washington, Chicago or Cincinnati cannot replace a four-month experience in a foreign surrounding. Not only do you learn in a foreign environment from people who do not have the same opinions, beliefs and approach towards education, politics and life in general, but a good study abroad experience has many more irreplaceable assets far beyond the traditional in-class learning. Seeing and experiencing what you learn in class broadens your vision and makes you think critically. Enriching a course with field trips and study tours to show real world situations adds invaluable life experience and allows students to confront guest speakers with questions to better understand abstract class topics.

The major reason for many students to study abroad is to see the world. Very few parents would allow their kids to travel through Europe for four months. Studying in Europe allows students to earn the necessary educational credits while being able to travel and discover a new world.

I can imagine how you were constantly challenged out of your comfort zone. Even in Luxembourg, where English has become a key language, I can hear your stories about how the language barrier has led to funny and unforgettable situations, misunderstandings, sometimes frustrations. New customs, traditions, social atmospheres, food, a totally different culture every weekend during your own travels...made you discover new ways of life and hopefully new interests, react differently when facing an unforeseeable challenge.

Maybe you did not always appreciate it on the spot, but at least you experienced the challenge and can share it. These out-of-class experiences made you grow and many of our Alumni say “you will never be the same again”. Many of you may consider coming back one day to live, work or simply hang out in Spain, Portugal, Germany or...Luxembourg.

Completely new career opportunities have opened for you, and with new perspectives on culture, language skills, combined with great education and your willingness to learn, you are fit for an experience abroad in a big international company consortium or the U.S. Government as a Public Affairs Officer, or—why not—an ambassador. You have met so many U.S. citizens who opted for a career abroad: sometimes time limited over three or five years, sometimes forever. Why not you?

A study abroad experience is not only a jumping board for an international career. It also develops your personality and allows you to make new friends. How long did it take me to understand that among you all, many did not know more than one or two peers? Many of you will return with new lifelong friendships, and quite a few will have a place to stay when returning to Europe! Regularly, our hosts travel to the U.S. for weddings, birthdays, or other family events. Lifelong learning in combination with lifelong friendships: wonderful!

Did you not develop your personality and your life experience? Well, did you not wash clothes in a European washer; did you not need shampoo after 8 p.m. and find out that Cactus or Auchan were closed, and Kroger 5000 miles away; did you not die for having bacon and eggs for breakfast? Did you never want to be back in Oxford at times, not knowing what to do or what to say? And you made it to the end? Great! So, you DID grow up and your experience was worth it!!

This is the message you have to bring to those who assume that study abroad is useless; they assume because they did not have the fantastic opportunities you have today and maybe, they are a bit jealous? Study abroad is and will remain one of the most important pillars in education. Nearly all European universities embed a mobility semester in their curriculum, and the European Union invests lots of money in programs such as Erasmus to allow students to travel and experience other cultures. This is not in vain! There are few experiences that are as transformative to the development of a student as study abroad. And you did it! Congratulations to all of you and thank you for having spent a great semester with us.

Not to forget that like future employers, graduate school admissions boards look very highly on study abroad experiences. Students that study abroad display diversity and show that they aren’t afraid to seek out new challenges or put themselves in difficult situations.

So let me wish you all the best for your finals, a nice and safe trip back to Ohio and a wonderful Summer!

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