Nicole Alanko, a senior majoring in international affairs, has studied abroad through the GW Madrid program and is a Study Abroad Peer Advisor.

I’m writing in response to the column, “Don’t give in to the pressure to study abroad,” by Kirby Dzurny (p. 4, Nov. 17).

The author’s comments about study abroad were extremely short-sighted to all of the benefits that study abroad can offer.

Studying abroad is not just about the classes you take. Some of the institutions that students attend while abroad are ranked higher than GW internationally, like the University of Hong Kong, Seoul National University and University of Edinburgh. Additionally, many programs offer internships or research opportunities.

But even if you go abroad and don’t attend one of those institutions, it isn’t true that you’ll have to “catch up.” Language and cross-cultural experiences aren’t overlooked in the current job market.

Aside from the technicalities, the whole purpose of study abroad is to leave your comfort zone and become part of another culture. Study abroad is not a vacation, a trip or an Alternative Break. Study abroad is not leaving the Foggy Bottom bubble to explore an already familiar city, speak American English and live according to your usual cultural norms.

Study abroad is a leap of faith – a chance to really live differently, a chance to have your most basic assumptions challenged.

Anyone can take “Cinema of Spain and Latin America” at GW, but it meant so much more to me to take it in Madrid. I could go home and talk about the films with my host mom, who gave me better historical and cultural insight.

Anyone can see a Flamenco show at Lisner Auditorium or the Gala Theater in Columbia Heights, but it is completely different to watch your flamenco professor perform in the heart of the Malasaña district, surrounded by “¡Qué toma!” and “¡Guapa!”

Admittedly, reverse culture shock is very real, but it did not define my abroad experience. I’ve only found myself shocked at how much I’ve changed – my personality, my perspectives on family, politics and culture. All change takes some adjustment.

Studying abroad, like many other decisions in college, is a personal one. It is also a time when students experience a significant amount of growth. That’s the purpose of college – to grow, and to learn to live in a world that is bigger than what we initially imagined.