Final answer:
The assertion is true; studying abroad tends to shift student focus towards learning rather than grades, offering a powerful educational experience that promotes a broadened perspective and self-examination.
Step-by-step explanation:
Many students find studying abroad to be a transformative experience that shifts their focus from grades to a broader educational perspective. This phenomenon aligns with the broader educational goal of creating well-rounded and self-examining individuals, as advocated by philosophers like Socrates who famously said, "The unexamined life is not worth living."
When students study abroad, they are exposed to new cultures and ways of thinking which can lead to an expansion of their world view. This exposure continues the liberal arts tradition of the first two years of college, where students engage with a variety of disciplines. It can be especially powerful because it happens outside of the classroom, in situations where learning is more organic and less focused on grades. This approach not only builds wisdom upon knowledge but can also enhance a student's ability to collaborate with professionals in various fields.
Moreover, studies such as the one by Heckert et al. (2006) have indicated that students perceived courses that required more effort as more valuable and reported learning more, regardless of the grades received. This underscores the idea that the focus on learning, rather than simply grades, can enrich the educational experience significantly.