Why is it important to attend a university that matches your values?

Why is it important to attend a university that matches your values? It may seem other factors are more important. Of course you have to look at how good a university is in meeting your academic goals, as well as other practical elements. However, I have found that when a university aligns with your core values, I can get a lot more out of life than just a college education.

To give you an example, I had the good fortune to attend a university that’s relatively small when I was a foreign student. At the time, I did not know just how important core values of a university play in the role of a student’s life, not just during the time they spend at the school.

My university cared for their international students as if they were an extension of their family. And still does to this day. Students feel cared for, and always have someone to talk to if they ever need guidance, academic or personal. The professors and staff were never in a hurry. They always have time to listen to the students.

This school truly live out their belief of nurturing mind, body, spirit. The faculty and staff see students as whole persons, not just another admission head count and tuition to collect. A number of former students return to work for this university because of its values. And these values embrace the entire being, not just the intellectual part who’s there to absorb information. Can you imagine the kind of person a student can become in this atmosphere?

Yes, finding and attending a university with core values that match your own can make a difference in how you turn out as a person. Although a good university can supply the right information you need for your career in the future, there is an intangible support that comes from a university that ALSO nurtures the spirit of the person. Ask around. Talk to your friends about their university experience. How were they treated as students? What are your friends like today?

The article How to choose a quality university goes into depth on this topics.

If you find this blog helpful, here is one on Success tips for international college students.

Estrella Chan coaches immigrants and international professionals in English fluency, interview skills, and public speaking.    To schedule a session with her, please email support@englisharoundtheworld.com