As they say, the world is your classroom. The traditional idea of studying abroad reigns a popular decision for many prospective students across the world in our modern globalized society. When it comes to new cultures, different educational experiences or the opportunity to see a little bit of the world outside of your home country — news can travel faster than hot cakes when it makes its way into starving students! But is studying abroad for everyone?
This blog aims to dissect the advantages and dis-advantages of going abroad for studies vis-à-vis studying in your own country that might lead you either way conducive to where-in you must shed light while searching a path ahead towards attaining high-quality higher educational services.
The Appeal of Studying Abroad
In many ways, studying abroad is more of an adventure than anything else. Such an easy way to get to know other cultures, and practice another language, while bringing people from all over the world together sounds very appealing. But with adventure comes responsibility and sometimes challenges.
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In terms of academic opportunities and cultural exposure;
The most obvious benefit of studying abroad is that you have the chance to sample academic opportunities not found at home. You have the opportunity to study unique programs and courses that may not be offer in your home country. No matter what happens to tickle your fancy, there are programs the world over that go into more depth with plenty of specialized options available for every interest from Marine Biology in Australia or maybe you want business studies America.
Studying abroad is also beneficial for cultural exposure. ※When you live in a foreign country and face life from their point of view. You will get to know practices, traditions and ways of life that expand your horizons and make the world more meaningful.
The Expensive Nature and Likely Language Barriers
One of the disadvantages would be that tuition fees usually cost a bomb 🙂 The amount you have to pay as tuition fee along with the living and travel cost can be really high which can create a dent in your pocket. These costs should be taken into account when deciding whether or not studying abroad is worth it for you.
Language gaps can also become contentious. The minute you go to a country where English is not the principal language, everything changes — suddenly attending lectures and interacting with your classmates can feel like hitting an enormous wall. But this can also be an opportunity for growth, and after awhile you realize that more than much of the time you are learning another new language.
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Personal Development and Freedom
Going away to college has long been considered a “coming of age” experience that imparts independence and life skills. Staying apart from your family makes you learn how to calculate, manage expenses and budget; it polishes basic living responsibilities that sometimes we forget learning our entire life. Some of these life situations can help you grow as a person and be also an advance practice for the difficulties in your adult life.
What they say is really true about homesickness and such.
Studying abroad can be an awesome experience; however, a number of students will face homesickness at some point. Loneliness And Isolation When far from your family and friends, loneliness is a common feeling especially during season holidays or any significant time of the year.
Difficulties in adjusting are also routine. Adjusting to the temperature, dishes and social practices of a new country can be very challenging. On the same note, some of these challenges can be reduced by involving yourself in student groups and utilizing university services for support and keeping lines open with family members back home.
Pros Of Not Going To A Different Country
Studying in your native country has its own benefits. A small percentage of students can ease into the challenge and find a home in this system from having an understanding in how our educational structure operates, being versed with English language or American cultural norms are key factors that help provide them the academic environment to succeed.
Grew up in the System and Language
Studying at home allows you to be already settled into the education system. You know what to expect when it comes to methods of teaching, format of exams and overall academic requirements. There is less stress when you are familiar with your surroundings and can concentrate back on what you came to uni for, studying.
Language goes a long way, as well. When you learn in your own language, it removes any unnecessary language barriers from the equation and allows for students to relate more with material/conversation.
Family and Friends to reduce financial burden
The remote financial load is one big reason that studying at home even becomes a nice argument. This allows you to save money on a quality education without the additional costs of international travel/living expenses.
Also, being near home means you have built-in community help. It is easier to handle academic pressure and personal issues because your family and friends are always there for you to help and guide.
Internships and Consecration Points
It can also be a great chance to do internships and make important contacts in your home country. Networking within your local community can help with future job opportunities as well as career advancement.
Student Realities
In order to grasp a more holistic view of the study abroad situation, we turn to actual examples from students who went different paths.
Emily’s Abroad Experience
Emily, a journalism major who went to Spain for the spring. She was interested in practicing Spanish and immersing herself into the Spanish culture. Emily discovered the transition to be difficult with language, but a beneficial experience. She made friends for life, flew all over the world and developed a new found love of different cultures.
Alex Home-centric Journey
However, Alex chose to remain in Canada where his family lived and instead finish an engineering degree. He valued a stable community and his family. Alex, on the other hand, stayed local and landed internships in tech with companies across Canada that resulted in a job offer once he was done school.
Nuts and Bolts of Studying Abroad
This decision-blindness causes prospective students to overlook or diminish the most practical benefits of studying abroad.
Financial Planning
Much planning must precede such plan, and among the most important points to be taken into account is financial sustainability at destination. Look into scholarships, grants and financial aid for international students. Establish a budget with entries for tuition, lodgings, travel and living costs.
Selecting the Best Program and University
Proper choice of program and university is the main key. Some factors to consider may be the reputation of the university, its course offerings and its location and student support services. Tap into current students or alumni for tips and suggestions.
7 Tips for Adjusting to a New Culture
Getting acclimatized to a new culture is no small thing. Go out and experience the local culture by attending events, joining clubs or wandering around. Understand that this is a new culture and it will take time to assimilate into their system.
Studying abroad vs Studying in homeland is a personal decision, depends on what you like to be and where circumstances are suitable for. Each of those options has its own pros and cons, with no one clear answer universally viable.
In the end, you choose what is right and best for your future education; whatever that may be due to self-values. Pursuing your degree (abroad) will always be a fulfilling and life-changing experience, regardless of whether you decide to study around the globe or in some different state.
However, if the idea is still uncertain to you contact academic advisors or through discussion with other students try and get as much information. Just know that this is a way your life will lead you to the future, and no matter where you choose to take it next—or whatever takes YOU—there are many paths ahead.
We’d love to hear from you, so please leave a comment sharing your perspective on the pros and cons of studying abroad compared with staying home. Of course, one of the hardest life decisions you might need to make is quitting your job but on the other side, it also reveals a chapter in your life that others could learn so much from.
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