Extracurricular activities can include social clubs, sports teams, student government, volunteering, or even an internship.

Below, learn about a few of the most popular choices for extracurricular activities. This post also discusses how they can be especially beneficial to international students.

1. Personal development
Participating in student activities and programs has been proven to have a positive correlation with psychosocial development. Students involved in student organizations were observed during their freshman and senior year of university and reported having higher levels of development in regards to career planning, life management, cultural participation and educational involvement. Highly engaged students such as student leaders demonstrated enhanced development in interpersonal competence, practical competence, cognitive complexity, civic involvement and humanitarianism. Most importantly, getting involved had a positive impact in clarifying, developing and establishing purpose in one’s life.

2. Growing your network
Networking doesn't necessarily mean attending some stuffy cocktail party and handing out your business card like a baller . A person is more likely to help you in the future if you have shared a personal moment. Joining committees is a perfect networking platform! You engage with people that you might not normally have come across during your college years, people who share the same passions and interests as you.

3. Build your skills not only your resume
The primary motivation to get involved should not be to beef up your résumé. As author Anna Quindlen once said.
Employers don't want a pencil pusher! They want to hire someone who has taken the initiative to develop themselves and their community. Companies want to have individuals who are well rounded with a diverse array of interests, experiences and opinions.

4. Enhancing social skills
These days, children are becoming unsociable creatures. Participation in extracurricular activities will make sure they get an opportunity to meet likeminded friends, break social barriers and share a healthy bonding with them. At the same time, they learn and respect the value of team work. Also it will keep their mind off from disturbing behaviour and inappropriate activities.

5. Improvement in Academic Performance
Studies have shown that students pursuing hobbies achieved better results in studeies. Their academic performance goes way up north as they learn to balance co-curricular activities with their academic pursuits. They understands the fact of managing their time efficiently which increases the interest in the school. Such activities like participation in debates, drama, music, sports, etc. helps in achieving the bigger purpose of better education.

These days, our children are becoming unsociable creatures. Participation in extracurricular activities will make sure they get an opportunity to meet likeminded friends, break social barriers and share a healthy bonding with them. At the same time, they learn and respect the value of team work. Also it will keep their mind off from disturbing behaviour and inappropriate activities.

Best aspect of Co-curricular activities at school is that they are part of academics, and makes teaching and learning experience exciting for both students and teachers. Students through classroom activities like quizzes, debates, recitation and any more academic games learn better. Therefore, Co-Curricular activities along with academics are essential for every student.

School Information Initiative by Sharda Vidyalaya - http://www.shardavidyalaya.edu.in/