Studying abroad is a growing trend among students for many reasons. There are plenty of reasons why most students head to foreign countries for higher education. Affordable fees, equipped learning atmosphere, quality education, and practical learning are the few ones that need mentioning. Can there be any drawbacks to studying at a Foreign University or college? These Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying Abroad explore the answers.
Thanks to Globalization for letting young minds explore the world while they learn and set foot into their career. With new work-culture norms, employers these days prefer workers acquiring cross-cultural competence and multi-lingual skills. Consider these advantages of studying abroad before you make up your mind for a foreign university.
Every parent would like to see their kids living independently and taking care of themselves. Studying overseas means exploring your potential and learning how things come to you once you leave the comfort zone. In other words, it’s the way you embark on a new journey in a foreign country.
Leaving your comfort zone forces you to learn more about yourself, find new interests, and reminds you of your family values while you’re away. Being independent also makes you more mature and a better decision-maker. Pay bills, buying groceries on your own, and maintaining your budget sounds more mature.
Cross-cultural communication is an added advantage to your resume. On the plus side, you get to tour the place and explore the cultural values of the country you choose to study.
Studying at a foreign university means you can travel abroad, gain real-life experience, and learn about a whole different culture while completing your education. You’ll be also likely to meet students from other countries to help you understand their culture and languages.
Do you know there are different language courses colleges offer? How about learning a foreign language for free? If you already are a little familiar with the country's official language, you can polish your language skills once you acclimate to the environment.
It’s the best way to learn native languages while living in a realistic environment. This is why students opt for a foreign university in European countries such as Italy, France, Germany, Poland, Ukraine, etc. How about selecting the best Universities in the UK for a start.
Making friends is the most important thing to do in an unknown place for international students. This is why many universities have launched special programmes for incoming students to help them get along with the environment.
Friendship is the great start to meet fascinating, lovely people from around the world who can change how you perceive yourself and the world. University of Tyumen, Russia, offers a Buddy program to incoming students right after they arrive at the university.
There are some clear career advantages of studying Abroad as you get optimum exposure to quality education, high-standard practice, and post-study career support. Many universities that offer degree courses to international students are recognized globally.
If you have acquired multi-lingual skills, globally recognized certification, and hands-on training, the chances of getting your dream job are higher. In universities, students can work after study after graduating with a post-study work visa. This gives you the advantage to select a fast-growing multinational company to propel your career.
On the contrary, as you begin planning for study in foreign countries, considering both the aspects seems like a thoughtful decision. As you're sure to experience the benefits of studying abroad, high expectations can ruin your perception of reality. Consider these Disadvantages of Studying Abroad before entering a new land.
Pursuing higher studies abroad can put immense pressure on you financially. Travel expenses, tuition fee, accommodation, utilities, local transportation, stationery supplies, etc., come at a cost. The embassy regulations are even harder on students as they have to deposit a considerable sum of money to extend their study Visa.
According to an International Institute of Education (IIE) estimate, the average cost of studying abroad can go up to 1800 USD per semester. This cost can be higher depending on the country you select for higher education. The higher cost of living is the primary reason why students look for part-time jobs after lectures
It takes time to blend in with the new atmosphere; you may face difficulty communicating with people first. Lack of communication is one of the significant disadvantages of studying abroad. Some universities offer degree programmes in their official/native languages only, whether you are an international student or a local.
Lectures may be hard to understand if you don’t have a fickle of how to communicate or interpret. Communication is the first step to adapt to an unfamiliar environment; if you lack effective communication, it can be a hurdle in your route to success.
It’s one of the most common problems every student face while studying in a foreign college. Lacking the ability to communicate or understand people in another country can be depressive at times. As the environment is very new, unfamiliar people can cause homesickness.
Social insecurity triggers feelings of loneliness when you avoid talking and choose to stay alone. Leaving home and family behind recently might make you sad in the initial days. The only answer to this problem is to give yourself time to fit into the place by welcoming new habits and people in your life.
In Chinese culture, people have a tradition to place Chopsticks horizontally while eating. Leaving them in a bowl vertically is considered unfortunate. There are different traditions for every country, and understanding the culture can be difficult for someone who just moved into a new place.
Many different things are considered unethical if you mistakenly do something. Culture shock is also a reason for some students not choosing abroad for higher education. Adjusting to a new culture becomes more difficult, especially if you don't know the native language of your study destination.
Inability to return to homeland for a family emergency or medical reasons is one of the dreaded drawbacks of studying abroad. Individuals studying away from home in another country do not have frequent flights, and also, it might be costly on immediate travel bookings.
Lack of transportation and travel regulations can lead you to a helpless situation where your family needs you the most, and you can’t make it home either due to the unavailability of flights or you aren’t permitted to leave.
Conclusion:
Even if there are downsides to studying abroad, getting a higher education can be beneficial as there’s a lot of money you can save in tuition fee and admission fee. Also, if you opt to study in your home state, you can find more difficulty adjusting. Keep in mind that nothing comes easy, and to gain some, you’ll have to lose some. Disadvantages of studying abroad can be outweighed by the possible benefits, such as future career prospects, global recognition, and specialization in more than one language.
The following are some of the most common issues schools, students, and their insurance companies have faced recently.
1. Travel-Related Illness.
2. Natural Disasters.
3. Assault & Threats.
4. Insufficient Medical Care.
5. Injuries or Accidental Death.
1. Improvement in your language skills.
2. Growing your network.
3. Confidence Development.
4. Exposure to different cultures.
5. Better career opportunities abroad.
There's a high risk of CIVID-19 when studying abroad, but that doesn't mean you can't take well-planned measures to minimize the danger. Keep in mind that this choice should be made with respect for yourself and your comfort level, and gather as much information as possible.
International students are always on the lookout for the greatest study-abroad destinations in the world. Fortunately, our planet is brimming with a wide selection of places to visit. The best destinations for international students are the USA, UK, China, and Canada.