The pros and cons of studying abroad should be weighed when making the decision whether or not to study abroad.
This article explores each of the pros and cons of studying abroad in more detail.
Benefits of studying abroad
It’s a cliché, but studying abroad really broadens your horizons. Being in a foreign country and seeing how other cultures approach life makes you question your assumptions. It makes you see things from another perspective, which makes you a more complete and open-minded person.
A memory to tell later
Studying abroad will help you become one of those people you’ve always envied…someone who can keep dinner going with their portfolio of compelling stories. When you return home after studying abroad, you too will have a lot to talk about, from the interesting people you met to the amazing sights you saw. You will also be able to tell funny anecdotes about your attempts to deal with culture shock.
You will learn a new language
If you study abroad in a country where your native language is not spoken, you will have a great opportunity to learn theirs. If you already know the basics of the language, this is an opportunity to improve your fluency.
Positive impact on your CV
Having studied abroad on your CV tells employers that you are a well-traveled person who is open to different cultures and different points of view. It also suggests that you are capable of being independent and probably have valuable language skills.
Better learning opportunities
Studying abroad makes it easier for you to receive the best possible education in your chosen field of study. Indeed, you can apply to study in the best institutions in the world in your field, rather than settling for institutions near you.
Get out of your comfort zone
Going to study abroad requires you to be independent and not rely on support from family members. You will have to find out for yourself how everything works in your host country. This gives you the opportunity to face any social anxieties and gain confidence. You will find that you can do a lot more on your own than you previously thought.
You can build relationships all over the world
Not only will you mingle with people from your host country, but you will also meet lots of other international students from all over the world. With a little luck, you will create contacts and friends for life, which you can visit whenever you are in their part of the country.
The disadvantages of studying abroad
Studying away from home can be quite difficult, even if you have only crossed the country or moved to another state. So think about how much harder it can be to study in a place miles away from home and in a country very different from the one you are used to. Being on the other side of the world will also make it more difficult to return home for the holidays or the weekend.
High cost
Tuition fees are often higher for foreign students. Also, you may not be eligible for the same student loans as in your country. Also, you will have to consider considerable moving costs if you choose to study abroad.
Your family will miss you
Not only will you miss your home, but your parents and the rest of your family may have a hard time adjusting to the fact that you are so far from home. But being geographically distant doesn’t mean you ca’t stay in regular contact.
Language and cultural barriers
While studying abroad is a great opportunity to learn a new language, you may initially encounter some issues related to language barriers. This is especially the case in the beginning, when you have to take care of things like a bank account and housing. You may also encounter cultural barriers related to religion, gender roles, or communication differences.
Longer travel time
Studying abroad inevitably involves longer travel times, possibly with connecting flights and/or stopovers. An exhausting and time-consuming trip can turn into something you dread.
A higher risk
If you are unlucky enough not to like your course, or if you are having personal problems and have to return home prematurely, you will have wasted far more time, effort and money than if you had chosen to study at you.
Conclusion
There are pros and cons to studying abroad, but the cons tend to be worst-case scenarios, or they can be easily overcome. So don’t let the disadvantages of studying abroad deter you from making an important decision in your life that will bring you many benefits.
Wondering where you should study? Check out our site for the best places to study abroad.