Graduating in 3 and a half years from Grand Canyon University, I was not sure what I wanted to do after I walked across that arena stage this upcoming December. Do I go straight into the workforce? Do I take a gap year? Why do I feel like everyone else has a plan while I question my every move?
I spent this last summer searching different programs that I would be eligible to attend after graduation, and I discovered that there are several internship abroad programs that I could qualify for. I applied for a program in Dublin, Ireland, where I got accepted for a full-time internship at a law firm for three months.
I am beyond excited to travel and work in Ireland for three months, but there is a lot of thought and planning that went into this decision. If you are even slightly interested in traveling abroad before settling down into a career field, here are some important details to consider.
Time
One of the best attributes of the GCU curriculum is how quickly students can complete a bachelor’s program. Most students graduate in three years, leaving that fourth year, typically reserved for school, now open for work opportunities. The quickness of the GCU program means that most students do not study abroad during their time simply due to the limited credit space, but this does not mean that you cannot experience the world.
There are few times in one’s lifetime where we are truly free to travel throughout the world without baggage. College graduates are not typically bound by jobs or family obligations yet, so this is the one time in their lives where they can live in a new place for a few months before committing to a semi-permanent paid job. A few months does not offset an entire education worth of applicable skill, and furthermore, traveling and working abroad can add a unique and colorful portion to any resume. If you think that you would like to travel or work abroad sometime in the future, take the opportunity now while you have more time before your 9-5 daily job with a week of vacation each year.
Location
I had a strong desire to live in Scotland or Ireland for a short while sometime during my secondary education, which is why I worked so hard to research and get into this internship program. One of the biggest reasons why college-age students want to study abroad is due solely to location, as it was for me. If you are content to work anywhere, you may not have a burning desire to travel abroad, and that is completely fine. Traveling abroad does not have to be for everyone. You can expand your worldview and experience life to the fullest in your own hometown. Sometimes, study abroad or work abroad programs give the impression that it is a life-changing experience that everyone needs to experience, but it is truly a personal decision.
finances
I am certain that no one is surprised to know that study and work abroad programs are expensive, which can be the reason why students turn away from these opportunities. Looking into working abroad, I was aware of the financial burden, so I have taken several steps to ease that stress. I took up more hours at my job and saved more of my paychecks, turning down extra spending opportunities with friends. I applied for a lot of study abroad and work abroad scholarships, and even if I only receive one, that is still money saved. Finally, I have told all my relatives about my work abroad plans, so for any birthday or holiday coming up, I have made it clear that the best gift they could give would be helping out with the cost a bit. While it may seem daunting, if traveling abroad is important to you, there are ways to make it work financially.
With my program beginning in a few months, I only grow more excited at the thought of experiencing a different culture. It has been one of the more stressful decisions in recent years, but I could not be happier with my decision. I would recommend traveling abroad for anyone interested in experiencing more of our vast world before settling down with a job after graduation. You are only this young once, so spend that time doing what you love, even if it does not seem feasible at first.