Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying Abroad

Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying Abroad: Earlier, having a degree from abroad was considered the most prestigious and an opportunity available only for the privileged section of the population. Now, things have changed; even middle-class families can afford a degree from abroad. Many countries offer an opportunity to study abroad for free for international students. Studying in foreign countries is a big decision that brings a lot of benefits, but not without its challenges. This is why one needs to thoroughly analyze the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad before making the final call.

Studying mbbs abroad does sound fascinating, but not all fascinating thing comes without their pros and cons. So, in this article, readers will learn about the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying Abroad

There will always be Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying Abroad, whether you want to travel or choose a course. This section provides information about the Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying Abroad. Let’s have a look.

Advantages of Studying Abroad

1. International Exposure

You do not get an everyday opportunity to meet and mingle with people of different countries and cultures. If you are looking to experience life outside in a different country and its culture, getting to study in a university belonging to that country is by far the most straightforward way to achieve it. You could try to get a direct job abroad or perhaps find some personal measure of obtaining residentship. 

2. The Global Connect

Studying for a long period helps form lasting relationships between students. Situations that can take you outside your comfort zone and test your instincts in the unknown can make you far more adaptive than if you were to choose to live out your young adulthood in your parent’s basement. This is even more pronounced when you live outside your domicile city. And if, as in our present discussion, you live outside your country, you will be able to build relationships with individuals from different cultural backgrounds. Such a circumstance is fertile with learning possibilities beyond the university curriculum. You will learn to appreciate the differences and expand on your skills – communication, social, and interpersonal.

3. Quality of Education

USA, Canada, the UK, and Australia are some of the popular international study destinations and house nearly 60% of the world’s top universities. A degree stamped at any one of those universities or the closely competing ones can boost your career forward. Most Western countries have excellent funding for STEM research. America is only one of them, with over 2.5% of its GDP invested in scientific research. Germany, Finland, Switzerland, Israel, and our friends in the east – South Korea and Japan – are among other countries with a spectacular amount set aside for STEM research. 

4. Communication and Language Skills

As a regular full-time international student, you will constantly communicate with classmates from various backgrounds. The nature of international programs tends to be far more interactive than, say, the purely instructional mode of the traditional Indian classes. For instance, the American education system encourages class discussions, debates, and active student participation. This improves communication skills and confidence in expressing yourself to others, including authority figures.

5. Working In A Foreign Land

Not least, it provides the opportunity to earn a living in a foreign land with far more potential career growth and salary growth. Studying abroad brings with it the associated perks of graduating with some form of working permit.

6. Makes you Independent

Studying abroad will make students independent as they can apply for internships or part-time jobs while studying abroad. Students abroad do part-time from high school and save money for the future. Similarly, even Indian students can save money while studying abroad by doing a part-time job or an internship.

Disadvantages of Studying Abroad

1. Expense

Not going to lie, but in some countries, education costs can be as high as buying a luxury car. Barring the fortunate few who can secure some form of funding assistance – scholarship, fellowship, graduate assistantship – the rest have to shoulder the cost associated with their decision to study abroad. Tuition fees are not just the problem. We have living expenses, food expenses, utility expenses and whatnot. 

2. Cultural Difference

This one might not be new to you. The unfamiliarity of a different society can be a rude shock, especially if you cannot adjust to it. Many students struggle to get to terms with customs that may be considered uncivil in their own culture. Addressing professors by their first names, for instance, is perfectly regular in the USA but understandably alien in India. There is a reason why you may find birds of the same flag flocking together, especially if the language adds another layer of disparity. 

3. A Negligence in Domestic Network

The time spent overseas building a global network of friends and colleagues is time spent losing out on a professional and personal network back home. So, if you decided to return to your home country, you would be at a disadvantage compared to your friends who stayed back. This is especially apparent if you choose to look for a career and move back home.

So, now that you have seen both the good and the bad of studying abroad. Whether you want to go for it or not is up to you. However, remember that no matter what, studying abroad does open a lot of doors for you, and it is worth the hype. It only depends on the person and their willingness to overcome the obstacle.

4. Language as a barrier

Along with the great perks, language still act as a barrier for international students. They can face problems while communicating or understanding lectures, which can demotivate students.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)