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is it a good idea to go on foreign exchange during a gap year even if it doesn’t directly relate to my career path?

I want to go on exchange to maybe learn a language and experience more cultures, but as much as I want to, I am unsure if it is a good idea. I would like to go into music after high school so would taking a gap year set me back?

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Erwin’s Answer

In my opinion! It is good to see and experience different cultures! At any career choice! You will meet all types of personalities. Being divers as myself ! I come from Philippines! It has help me during my careers. I have learned that everyone has a story.
Thank you comment icon Yeah! I figured going somewhere else would be something I need to experience in my life. I just wasn’t sure if after school was ideal. My mom was a TESOL teacher in Korean when my dad went there from Iran to visit. They speak so highly of their time away from home that I think it’s something I should do as well. Thank you for for your answer!! Maybe it will be helpful to go before college so I can have a more open mind! Neeki
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Atul’s Answer

Here are two distinct inquiries: First, you can indeed acquire a language without physically being in the country where it's spoken. Second, understanding a culture is a different matter entirely.

You'll need to determine if you have the financial capacity to spend a year abroad without resorting to loans.

Numerous universities provide opportunities for studying abroad for one or two semesters, depending on your major. If you're a music major, pinpoint locations where you can participate in an exchange program. This could provide you with a unique opportunity to learn and apply musical concepts that are different from Western music.

Countries like India, among many others, are rich in culture and music.

In summary, it's crucial to identify the country and apply your major's focus in a university setting. This strategy will aid you in making informed decisions.
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Talia’s Answer

Some career paths offer the opportunity to work with teams and clients on a global scale. In those cases, employers like to see that you have experience working or learning internationally. If you are specifically looking to go into music, finding musical learning experiences in another culture can have a great benefit for your future.
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Molly’s Answer

Neeki,

This is a great question. In all honesty, YES! I would definitely recommend going on a foreign exchange trip, even if the trip has no correlation to your major or studies. That is one thing that I regretted after graduating. I had the opportunity to travel and study for a separate language, however once finished planning, the trip had gotten cancelled due to COVID. For you Neeki, take that chance and learn from your trip. Whether it be with continuing your education, or even if you decide to not come back to you studies. That is what a gap year is meant for. Step your foot into new waters and learn from your adventures!

I hope this helped, and good luck in your endeavors!

Thank You
Molly H.
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Brendon’s Answer

In the end, no one knows where their careers can take them. A basic teaching degree is usually used as a way to become a teacher, but it also opens the door to be a overseas tutor. Along with this, you would have the opportunity to see what it's like to have that career in another part of the world while experiencing life like never before.
If you have a chance to go and the means to do it, then go and do it. Relevance to a career is second to enjoying your journey through life.
Thank you comment icon Very well put. I appreciate your down to earth answer and I agree with you about enjoying life. And, I wasn’t thinking about potential opportunities in other countries, that is a great point! Thank you! Neeki
Thank you comment icon IF you can swing it financially, and you go in with an open mind, an exchange will be an enriching experience. At this stage of your life if you make the best of your experience, it will help you stand out from your peers. Especially in an increasingly global world, such an experience can be a huge asset. On the other hand, if this would cause undue financial hardship, you can bide your time and try to get similar opportunities down the line. Joji Anaghan
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Patricia’s Answer

In my opinion, it is always a good idea to learn about other cultures. Having cultural diversity is very important no matter what career focus you have. It can be an adjunct to your life in general. Having knowledge or skills in an additional language is helpful on college applications, and employment applications.
Thank you comment icon Yes! Thank you for the response! I have found a wonder opportunity to spend a year abroad as someone will pay for the majority of my trip, I just didn’t know if that would be the best call since I’d be losing a year on my studies. But you put it well, I think it could be beneficial regardless of what I’m doing! Neeki
Thank you comment icon Neeki, if delaying education during the year that you are abroad is a concern, you could always take an online course or two in that time. I obtained my doctorate completely online. Courses may be a bit more expensive that way, but if you only take one or two you may be able to manage it. It sounds like you have a wonderful opportunity. Patricia Dunn DNP
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