There are many reasons why students study abroad. Spending time in a foreign country allows them to learn a foreign language, exercise independence, make new friends, broaden their own horizons, discover new cultures, and view things from a different perspective. It also enables them to break away from their normal academic routine while enhancing their employment opportunities.

Schools have started encouraging experiences abroad precisely because it is becoming fundamental in the world of work. Although English is a common tongue nowadays, knowing another language is often requested in many lines of work. Communicating directly with new clients and companies in their native language is one of the first steps to founding a lasting, stable international business relationship. Being a multilingual person puts you miles ahead of your peers in the competition for jobs and high-prestige positions. Learning to communicate fluently in multiple languages provides additional job security and advancement opportunities in uncertain economic times.

Goethe-Instituts organized days for high school and college students in multiple cities throughout the USA. Representatives of German business, universities and foundations informed about study and career opportunities in Germany. South Lakes High School joined the Career Day held by Goethe-Institut Washington on October 12th. In the morning, high school students had the opportunity to attend various presentations and stop by the info-booths of Goethe-Institut partners to receive more information. The afternoon presentations were geared towards college students and graduates, providing insight about the career opportunities that open up with German language proficiency.

There were different workshops, which highlighted various German-related opportunities. They discussed options such as studying Engineering in Germany, combining a German major with other degrees, and participating in programs like “Studienbrücke Deutschland” (which is designed to provide linguistic and subject-matter-specific preparation for studying in Germany).

South Lakes High School is continuing to promote enriching study abroad programs, which are an excellent investment for the future.