To the Editors:
In the February 4 column entitled "Studying abroad hinders a student's personal growth," Judah Isseroff claims that college students are not ready to take advantage of a semester abroad and that such an experience somehow jeopardizes a student's developing independence. He further argues that taking a semester abroad clashes with the purpose of studying at Bowdoin.
I am one of many Bowdoin students who have chosen to study abroad, and it was easily the best part of my college career.
Moreover, I feel obligated to respond to Mr. Isseroff's article because college students who are swayed by his assertions would be cheating themselves of an amazing opportunity and a life-changing experience.
I would like to begin by pointing out that Bowdoin is a great place to facilitate the development of one's self-awareness, identity and interests.
But the extent to which we can do this while existing within the Bowdoin "bubble" is limited. Bowdoin's bubble is only partially to blame; a similar limitation exists whenever one remains unexposed to other cultures and values.
It seems to me that there is no better time than during one's college years to inform one's developing interests with the experience of living and studying abroad.
After all, Bowdoin explains in its mission statement that the College stresses "the formation of a complete individual for a world in flux."
Rather than clashing with Bowdoin's purpose, studying abroad seems to be a great way to facilitate the realization of the College's mission. A semester abroad offers students real-world experiences that cannot possibly be offered inside the relatively isolated Bowdoin Bubble.
The independence, personal growth and experiences afforded by a semester abroad are invaluable parts of a student's education.
There are reasons for remaining on Bowdoin's campus for four continuous years, but a belief that studying abroad hinders a student's growth is not a valid one.
Sincerely,
Ryan Erskine '12