6 Reasons Why Students Need to Be Involved in Extracurricular Activities

Time spent at school can be one of the most memorable periods of someone’s formative years. That being said, it’s not always the studying and test-taking that imprints itself in the mind and makes for an unforgettable experience. For most, the activities engaged in outside the classroom are the ones reflected on the most fondly. The great news is, extracurricular activities are as valuable as they are vividly recalled. Getting involved in things like sports, student council, Model UN, or a variety of other interest groups and clubs can have immeasurable benefits both socially and professionally. Not convinced? Here are 6 of the many reasons students need to be involved in extracurricular activities. 

1. Social Skills

So-called “soft” versus “hard” skills are talked about at length when discussing education- but what are they? In a nutshell, a hard skill is one that can be taught or measured, while a soft skill is much harder to quantify. These soft skills are often projected as personality traits- and important ones at that. Skills such as communication and listening are often billed as top traits among potential employers and are easily acquired through the pursuit of extracurricular activities. Students can work on their valuable soft skills including interpersonal skills, confidence, and communication, all while having fun!

2. Time Management

Here’s a little secret- time management matters. Though no one would like to admit it, sometimes learning to manage your schedule effectively and get everything done in a limited time frame is harder than one would expect. Through playing in sports leagues or joining clubs, a student has to consistently arrive promptly to games and practices, and budget their time in a manner that will leave room for their academic pursuits. Since time management is a notoriously tough skill to teach, it is almost certain that by incorporating at least one after or before school activity into their schedules, students will rapidly improve their time management skills

3. Cultural Integration

In the case of international and transfer students, nothing will help more with their transition than participating in extracurricular activities. From enabling students to get a better grasp on the local culture to providing a space to meet potential friends with common interests, an after school program can truly help in the integration process. Additionally, interacting with other students and mentors in a more interactive setting can be much less intimidating. Students will feel more comfortable asking questions to find out more about the local customs or additional information about the school. As if that weren’t enough, students can also conversationally practice the local language if it is not their native tongue.

4. Better Grades

Did you know that research has been done establishing a link between extracurricular participation and better academic performance? The idea that extracurricular enrichment has an academic benefit is not a new one. This concept can be read about in action at rugbyschool.ac.th/, and many other school websites with strong extracurricular related tenets. When you think about it, the link is somewhat intuitive. The plethora of skills required for activities outside the classroom can have a positive impact on the learning going on inside of it. Base skills such as problem-solving, memory, and creativity are all required in extracurricular groups and are all very strong transferable skills to possess.

5. Resume Builder

Building a resume can be an arduous task, and often one that is stacked against students. With some regularity, companies and businesses look to hire young people- but express the need for candidates with a hefty list of prior experience. An often lamented catch twenty-two, having extracurricular experience can sometimes help navigate the work experience dilemma. It also sets a student’s resume apart from others in a stack by showcasing passion and commitment.

6. Impress Universities

Much like successfully building a resume, applying to higher education institutes can be a stressful and highly competitive ordeal. When applying to universities or comparable institutes the need for differentiating and elevating yourself is great, and can only be done in a handful of ways. One of the easiest and most accessible ways to accomplish this is through participation in extracurricular activities. By getting involved in different clubs, groups, and teams you display your interests and willingness to develop specific skills to potential schools. This gives a favorable impression of a highly dedicated and self-motivated individual, and will greatly improve admissions odds.

Once thought of as frivolous distractions, it has become increasingly evident that extracurricular activities are not just fun time-wasters. In fact, in recent years they’ve evolved into necessary additions to the academic experience. Not only can they enhance the social experience of being in school, but they can also help build crucial everyday skills and provide the boost a resume or secondary school application needs to truly shine. If you or your child is on the fence about participating in that school play or trying out for the soccer team- hop down and get involved with extracurricular activities as soon as you can!