40 Pros and Cons of Studying Abroad
While studying abroad can be an amazing adventure, it can also be challenging. Consider whether studying away from home is something for you in order to prevent this. This blog post will assist you in determining whether studying abroad is worthwhile with the providence of pros and cons of studying abroad.
Studying Abroad Process
- Apply for a Passport and Visa
- Visit a Travel Doctor
- Get Travel Insurance
- Buy a Plane Ticket
- Research Your Destination’s Local Customs, Culture, and People
- Refresh Your Language Skills
- Prepare Yourself Mentally
Before we proceed to the pros and cons of studying abroad, get to know how you can study abroad in easier steps.
How to Study Abroad
1. Organize a study abroad trip through your school.
Traditionally, students go on study abroad programs through their institution or university. Study abroad credits are practically certain to meet your academic requirements, primary expenses frequently relate directly to your tuition payments, and they are sometimes thought of as the simplest method to arrange a program.
Your university's study abroad program might also handle logistics like accommodation and visas in addition to offering transferrable courses. Speaking of accommodation, did you know that many students claim the costs of studying abroad to be less than those of on-campus lodging?
2. Discover study abroad opportunities with the aid of a third party.
Just as not all educational institutions are created equal, neither are all university-sponsored study abroad programs. Don't quit up and believe you can't study abroad if your university doesn't offer a program with the subject, location, or dates you're looking for.
Regardless of your major or school, there are numerous companies that work in the education sector to assist students in spending a semester, year, or summer abroad. These businesses, sometimes known as "third-party providers," are experts in connecting students with study abroad opportunities all around the world.
3. Direct enrollment at a foreign university
Direct enrollment at a university abroad is a different way to study abroad (that few students consider). You don't need to go through a formal program with your home school or a third party to enroll directly for a semester, year, or entire degree at a foreign university.
4. Do a worldwide independent study
Your major requires you to complete a sizable project or academic paper, but all the study abroad options you've looked into seem to be the same. Perhaps the next stage of your academic and professional careers depends on this initiative. If this describes you, an international independent study program may be the solution.
5. Working for academic credit
Even though it's typically thought of as the next step after college to land a job, you can still complete an international internship for academic credit before your graduation.
6. A high school study abroad program is a good place to start.
Going abroad while still in high school is a popular and practical alternative if you want to start your study abroad experiences early and an exchange program is not an option.
High school study abroad programs are becoming more popular and are starting to overtake college study abroad as the most popular option for graduating seniors. You can begin your foreign education in high school, establish relationships that will help you in college or in your profession, and develop a perspective on the world that will alter how much value you place on your own experiences.
7. Obtain assistance from the government to study abroad
Did you know that study abroad programs for students of all ages are funded by the Department of State and other federal organizations? You can improve your education and project research whether you're in grade K–12 or a college or university by applying to their associated programs.
Pros and Cons of Studying Abroad
Here are some pros and cons of studying abroad, let us start with the advantages!
Note: These pros and cons of studying abroad provided are not applicable to everyone but it’s wise to make your own lists of advantages and disadvantages for each course, nation, and study abroad program you’re thinking about.
ADVANTAGES
Pros of Studying Abroad:
1. YOU’LL GAIN KNOWLEDGE OF VARIOUS CULTURES.
Learning about different cultures is one of the major advantages of studying abroad.
You’ll learn when you study abroad that cultural values can vary greatly from those in your home country.
This is an important discovery because it shows how relative the world and our cultural norms are—something we typically take for granted.
2. YOUR COMMAND OF A FOREIGN LANGUAGE CAN BE IMPROVED.
The importance of learning a foreign language is increasing.
Due to the increasing level of globalization, some professions frequently require their workers to communicate with people all over the world.
Therefore, studying abroad for a semester can undoubtedly help you advance your language skills, which will subsequently benefit you in the corporate sector if you want to pursue a challenging international corporate career.
3. STUDYING ABROAD CAN BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE.
Because you will constantly be learning new things and occasionally running into difficulties, your confidence level will rise.
As a result, you’ll soon get over your fear of trying new things and your confidence will probably soar, giving you an edge in a variety of future aspects of your life.
4. YOU HAVE THE CHANCE TO INTERACT WITH A LOT OF NEW PEOPLE.
Because you will meet so many new people while studying abroad, it is probable that you will make a number of new friends.
If you like to travel, it’s also excellent if you can establish connections with a range of people in other parts of the globe.
Studying abroad therefore gives you a unique opportunity to make numerous beautiful friendships that may even last a lifetime.
5. IT’S POSSIBLE THAT YOU COULD CONTINUE YOUR SCHOOLING.
After completing one level of study, studying abroad gives you the chance to continue your education immediately, improving your professional prospects. Stick with us as you further with the pros and cons of studying abroad.
6. CONTEMPORARY TEACHING AND LEARNING TECHNIQUES
If you attend a reputable university while studying abroad, you’ll probably benefit from top-notch teaching and learning techniques.
A range of additional learning platforms are now offered by many universities in response to the digitization of technology, which can significantly improve your educational experience.
7. IT’S POSSIBLE TO MAKE PRICELESS MEMORIES.
Another advantage of studying abroad is the opportunity to create many lifelong memories. Many people cite their semester spent abroad as one of their best life experiences.
8. INTERACTING WITH PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT COUNTRIES IS COMMON.
If the college is serious about offering a wide selection of courses, including to international students, you have a good chance of meeting many of people from all over the world.
9. YOU WILL GO OUTSIDE OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE.
Another advantage of studying abroad is that you will be forced to step outside your comfort zone.
We can all agree that because they provide the most convenience, we prefer to stay in our comfort zones.
But only when we periodically leave our comfort zones can we actually learn new things and grow as individuals.
10. OBSERVING LIFE FROM A DIFFERENT ANGLE
You will learn about various cultures while studying abroad, and you will also develop a completely new perspective on life.
People who don’t travel or pursue higher education overseas typically believe that their own ideals are the only ones that matter.
However, if you travel frequently or study abroad, you’ll quickly realize that cultural values vary greatly around the globe and that what you previously thought of as normal is actually only a small piece of your own personal perception of reality. Continue reading the pros and cons of studying abroad!
11. EXPOSURE TO NOVEL TEACHING TECHNIQUES
When you study abroad, there’s a strong possibility you’ll come across creative teaching techniques.
The curriculum, for instance, can be substantially different.
You may also need to somewhat modify your learning method as a result. This is not at all a bad thing because it will teach you how to adjust to different educational systems.
12. YOU’LL DEVELOP GREATER INDEPENDENCE
One of the many benefits of studying abroad is that it teaches you how to be truly independent.
Because their parents still wash their clothes and make their meals for them, especially if they still live at home, many students suffer from a serious loss of independence.
If this describes you, you should absolutely consider studying abroad for a semester because it will teach you how to take care of yourself, which is crucial for many elements of your future.
13. PLENTY TIME FOR RECREATION
Throughout your study abroad program, you will have lots of free time that you may spend making new friends, visiting national parks, or exploring other nearby sites.
You should definitely make the most of this opportunity to have fun because, once you have done your studies, you will have to work long hours at a job and your free time will be significantly curtailed, especially if you also establish a family.
14. YOU’LL BECOME AWARE OF YOUR OWN STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES.
You can learn a lot more about yourself, including your talents and weaknesses, by managing things on your own during your semester abroad.
Everyone has flaws, so you should take notice of this because being aware of them can help you make changes in the future.
15. YOU CAN GROW AS A PERSON.
Many people go through significant character development while studying overseas.
Your perspective on the world as a whole will change as a result of all the new information you learn, and you’ll probably also adjust to the new information you learned while studying abroad. This are just few of the pros and cons of studying abroad, continue reading the advantages.
16. ACCESS TO FINANCIAL AID TO PAY FOR YOUR INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
If you are unable to pay for your education abroad on your own financial means, scholarships may be available to you in some countries.
Check to discover if your nation has any programs in place that can help you pay for your education overseas if you’re interested in studying there.
Students from Africa who require financial assistance for their international studies should read our post about undergraduate scholarships for African Students Study Abroad.
17. IT MIGHT BENEFIT YOUR CAREER.
Many companies place a high value on employees who have exposure to various cultures and understand the need of learning about new ones.
Therefore, you might want to think about spending a semester abroad if you want to improve your chances of getting a job at a big company.
18. THE CHANCE TO WORK ABROAD
Studying there could greatly improve your chances of finding employment if you plan to work abroad in the future because you’ll be able to strengthen your language skills and perhaps be better able to fit into the local culture.
19. THE CHANCE TO TRAVEL MORE
Studying abroad gives you the chance to travel and discover several cities if you have the funds because you’ll have plenty of free time.
20. FUN ACTIVITIES
A thrilling experience is studying abroad. It’s a method to enjoy life by doing something fun, interesting, and unforgettable.
You deviate from the standard, encounter something wholly unique, and as a result, have wonderful, entertaining tales to share.
DISADVANTAGES
Pros and cons of studying abroad; inevitably, all advantages must have disadvantages. These are the disadvantages of studying abroad:
Cons of International Study:
1. COST
Rent, tuition, and a host of other costs associated with daily living will all be your burden.
Make sure you have adequate money, depending on where you plan to study, to avoid eventually running out of money in a foreign country.
See our article on 30 Cheapest Universities in UK for International Students if you’re interested in attending school there on a budget.
2. HOMESICKNESS
If this is your first time spending a considerable amount of time away from home, there is a good chance that you won’t be able to adjust to new circumstances straight away and that you will miss your family and friends.
You may find the initial days or weeks challenging because you won’t have your loved ones close by and will have to fend for yourself.
3. LANGUAGE DISPARITY
If you don’t know the local language well, communicating can become very difficult.
Even though you will be able to communicate to some level, it may be difficult to interact with locals if you don’t understand their language well enough.
You may want to make sure that you learn the language of the nation where you intend to study as a result.
4. TRANSFERRING CREDITS TO YOUR NATIVE UNIVERSITY MAY BE CHALLENGING.
It may be difficult for you to transfer the credits you earned while studying abroad to your home country because some universities may not accept your academic achievements from other international institutions.
Before enrolling in any classes, be sure the credits will transfer to prevent any unpleasant shocks when you return to your home country. Proceed to the other points to have a detailed information about the pros and cons of studying abroad.
5. CULTURAL SURPRISES
If there are too many variations between the cultural norms of your home country and the country where you plan to study abroad, you can experience a cultural shock.
If you are unable to mentally adapt to these differences, your study abroad experience may not be as enjoyable as you had hoped.
6. COMMUNITY EXCLUSION
Some nations continue to see foreigners negatively.
Because of this, if you study in a place where there is a bad reputation for international students, you can find it challenging to make friends with locals and even feel socially isolated.
7. MENTAL DISORDERS
The fact that you will have to manage so many things and arrange your life on your own probably means that at initially you may feel very overwhelmed.
While the majority of people will adapt to these new challenges in a healthy way, a tiny proportion could possibly suffer serious mental health issues as a result of stress.
8. RECENT CLIMATE
Don’t undervalue the effects of climate change.
if you were raised in a hot country with year-round sunshine. Your body may experience a significant shock if you move to a place where it is always chilly, gloomy, and rainy.
Your mood may be affected, which will lessen the enjoyment of the activity.
9. COMFORT ZONE SHOVES AND PUSHES
Nobody likes having to venture outside of their comfort zone. You could feel alienated, alone, uneasy, and confused about your first decision to leave home.
At the time, it’s never enjoyable. However, fear not—it will only make you stronger! You’ll discover your inner fortitude and emerge feeling more capable and independent, like a phoenix rising from the ashes.
10. ANXIETY REGARDING ONE’S POST-GRADUATION PLANS
Since it’s a drawback of being a college student, this is one of the drawbacks that probably affects everyone, but it’s especially true for students who study abroad.
You start to realize that you’re getting close to graduation as the semester goes on, which could worry you out.
11. YOU COULD STRUGGLE TO FIT INTO UNFAMILIAR CULTURES.
It could be challenging for you to adapt to the local culture and way of life if you decide to study in a distant area of a country.
If you have trouble adjusting to new cultures and feel uncomfortable around some locals, it’s likely that your semester abroad won’t be enjoyable. Proceed to the other points to have a detailed information about the pros and cons of studying abroad
12. ACCLIMATIZATION
It’s one thing to relocate, but it’s quite another to find yourself in a new place.
Even if you are the life of the party and are seen as a social stallion by your friends, it will take some time for you to fully adapt.
13. YOU MIGHT NOT WANT TO RETURN HOME.
Some people genuinely like studying abroad, while others struggle to acclimate to life back home because they are not used to it.
14. YOU MAY FIND CLASSES TO BE TOO CHALLENGING.
It can be problematic since some of the classes you take during your semester abroad may be too demanding for you.
If you study in a nation with relatively high educational requirements, you could feel overburdened, especially if you come from one with low ones.
15. EXTENDED STUDY PERIOD
Another problem with studying abroad is the potential for your classes to run longer.
While some employers won’t mind, others might not want to hire you because they believe that spending an additional semester abroad is unprofessional or even pointless.
16. IT’S DIFFICULT TO STUDY ABROAD WHEN YOU HAVE CHILDREN.
Since you’ll need to care for your children if you already have children, it’s likely that you won’t be able to manage a semester abroad and that studying abroad won’t be a choice for you in such circumstance.
17. FRIENDSHIPS MIGHT FADE AWAY OVER TIME.
You can make a lot of wonderful friends during your semester abroad, but you might also subsequently lose some of those friendships.
After a few years, you might not have too many acquaintances from your studies abroad because it is perfectly typical to lose touch with a lot of individuals when you move on. Proceed to the other points to have a detailed information about the pros and cons of studying abroad.
18. YOU MIGHT FEEL OVERBURDENED.
You could feel overwhelmed as a result of all the novel experiences, particularly early on in your study abroad program when you have to manage everything on your own and everything is new to you.
19. PEOPLE
People can be quite aggravating at times. This is typical worldwide, but when you move to a new place and don’t know anyone, you have to weed through a lot of obnoxious individuals before you find a solid group of friends.
20. LIKELIHOOD OF EASILY GETTING LOST
There is always a chance of getting lost in a foreign country, especially if you study in a big city where the local language is difficult for you.
Conclusion
Final words on the pros and cons of studying abroad. Making a decision regarding studying abroad is challenging, of course, due to the deluge of information, the abundance of options, and the pressure from family and environment. Let’s be honest: at the age of 19, nobody has a clear plan for their future. So how can you tell if going overseas to study is a good idea? There is no way to know for sure.
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