“I turned another page of the book – the book of the world.” This is a saying that travelers often write online. Immersion abroad, is a deep involvement and understanding of a different country. In the past, immersion abroad was considered the most effective way for students to reach the world through learning. However, as time and technology have evolved, society has begun to suspect whether studying abroad or attending exchange programs is still necessary for learning and seeing the world. With the arise of artificial intelligence tools, learners can simply type with a small device and comprehend academic content and obtain a wide range of worldview. According to EdOdyssey (2014), “An immersion experience helps students build a sense of appreciation for all things that make us different: language, history, race, assets, and challenges”. Although artificial intelligence is convenient and becoming prevalent, immersion abroad remains irreplaceable part in the journey of life.

Through immersion, one can learn not only the language but also the customs and cultures from all over the world.  From an article by a Chinese student studying abroad in the U.K., A-Jiang  wrote a journal about meeting classmates from all over the world, experiencing the intersection of cultures and languages, and enjoying the warmth that transcends borders. An excerpt from his journal, “Vietnamese classmate loves taking photos, and I always feel like she is too much of a show-off. But those photos are actually letters she has written to her parents. German students are punctual like clockwork, but when you are late for a group discussion, they just smile and say, ‘It is okay, safety on the way is the most important.’” As A-Jiang’s demonstration, we can see the diverse aspects and customs and habits of people from different countries. Nevertheless, we can see the various ways in which people from diverse countries respect for others and treat people with kindness. Overall, immersion abroad is not merely learning the contents of courses. It is an approach to learn the world itself.

     Furthermore, immersion abroad is the only way to travel as a resident, instead of a tourist. Many international students choose what they call their “second home”. For instance, some longing for snowy winters, while others longing for living by the sea. Through immersion abroad, they have the opportunity to travel and become residents of the place they dreamed. As a resident, people are able to experience the most authentic local lifestyles and learn the most traditional cultures, and thus fulfill their aspiration. For instance, a student who truly love Japanese animation and long for the campus life in Japanese school choose to study abroad in Japan during high school. During the study abroad program, experiencing the iconic activity in animation “Culture Festival’ left an important mark on his life. Only living there can give this experience, not watching videos or traveling briefly. Finally, immersion abroad is the chance to choose a second life, and the starting point for stepping into a different landscape of life.

     Though immersion abroad offers many benefits, some may argue that artificial intelligence provides significant advantages in learning without the need to leave one’s home country. Moreover, one may face issues such as racial discrimination or the difficulties of adapting to the environment . However, from an article by a Chinese student studying abroad in the U.K., A-Jiang wrote that, “Taiwanese student seemed the most carefree, always late for class, handing in assignments at the last minute. Yet, every night he would call his mother right on time. Singaporean classmates are often perceived as workaholics, but when you're feeling anxious, they might hand you a beer and say, ‘Let's get a little tipsy.’” As A-Jiang demonstrates, the interaction of people could transcend the limits of stereotypes and embrace the soul of people around the world. The world is composed of numerous arguments and a diversity of ecosystems. Similarly, individuals as racism or sexism and the barren desert are indispensable when constituting our world. Nonetheless, studying abroad provide a pathway to empower themselves during cross-border learning and international mobility, allowing them to demonstrate the personal growth accumulated through overseas study and life experiences (Findlay et al., 2012；Prazeres, 2017) Immersion abroad gives people the opportunities to learn different perspectives and embrace various concepts. Through confronting challenges, developing self-care ability and courage - the finest anthem of humanity.

      Immersion abroad has the opportunity to experience the intersection of culture, travel as a resident, and break stereotypes through personal experience. It is what artificial intelligence cannot achieve. The sky streaked by the airplanes is not only blue sky and white clouds, but also a blueprint of dreams. Having a journey in a foreign environment to embrace the clash of cultures and interactions with people around the world will also be better prepared for every coming journey in life.

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References  

A-Jiang (2025, November 8) Taiwanese students seem the most casual. https://v.douyin.com/oaemyJfXPMw/ 

DebbyLin (n.d.) As an exchange student, what do you have the opportunity to "exchange"? 16 gains related to skills, freedom, travel, friendship, and ways of thinking. https://debbylin.tw/exchange_gift/?srsltid=AfmBOoqKpCcWID84qJZj3u651zga8IfpxKU9DM6JvUWnmYjN22RDUPdH

EdOdyssey (n.d.) How to Define the Study Abroad "Immersion" Experience

https://www.edodyssey.com/blog/defining-the-study-abroad-immersion-experience

Findlay, A. M., King, R., Smith, F. M., Geddes, A., & Skeldon, R. (2012). World class? An investigation of globalisation, difference and international student mobility. Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers, 37(1), 118-131. doi:10.1111/j.1475-5661.2011.00454.x

Prazeres, L. (2017). Challenging the comfort zone: Self-discovery, everyday practices and international student mobility to the Global South. Mobilities, 12(6), 908-923. doi:10.1080/ 17450101.2016.1225863