Study abroad refers to studying in a foreign nation for a term, a semester, a year, or a full term. It is essentially education received by the exchange of citizens between the two countries.

Study abroad is not a new concept. It is, in fact, thousands of years old. For example, the Greek philosopher was born in Macedonia, but he went to Greece for his education. The first record of a student to study at a foreign University is from 1190. A student known as Emo of Friesland lived in Holland but traveled to England to look at Oxford University.

Studying abroad is an excellent, albeit expensive, step for a student’s career. However, all countries have their premier and esteemed institutions which provide the students with excellent education and opportunities. A lot of students dream of studying away from their home country. Unfortunately, only a few can achieve it.

Let us know about why study abroad is crucial for you. Studying abroad has a lot more advantages than disadvantages. Some of them are:

Opportunities You Get By Studying Abroad:

It allows students to find the best of the best in their field. It doesn’t limit them to finding a university close to home; instead, they can choose a college or course anywhere in the world. Students learn to be proficient in a language through immersion. They build an international social network. While studying abroad, they become acquainted with both local students and international students and faculties of different countries. This network is beneficial when they apply for jobs.

Students get to experience and immerse themselves in a new culture. Universities with study abroad programs look fantastic on the resume/cv and give you a boost in interviews. This is because it shows that you may be proficient in another language and are comfortable with new experiences. It also builds self-confidence as students must interact with strangers, look after their well being, and perform their personal chores. It makes them more responsible and disciplined.

Points You Must Remember:

The first and foremost disadvantage is the high cost of foreign education. There is a higher cost of living, travel, food, and college courses than in your home country. International students cannot apply for the foreign country’s education loans, and very few are granted scholarships.

Homesickness is another major disadvantage. It plagues almost every single student who studies abroad. This is because students are shifted from a place of high comfort, i.e., your home country, to a place where you will experience a language barrier, ethnic cuisine, where you will have to interact with strangers, live in a strange area, etc. Your families will also miss you, especially your parents and siblings.

There are bound be to both cultural and language barriers. Even if you go to an English speaking country, their dialects and culture vary across regions. You will have to learn a lot about their culture quickly before you offend a local who may cause you problems. For non-English speaking countries, students will face difficulties with language and culture. There may be countless things that would be acceptable in your home country but forbidden or frowned upon in the foreign country.

There is, of course, a greater risk for students if they dislike the course they’ve chosen or dislike the country or their living arrangements. It isn’t easy to change classes, and there is a lot of documentation involved, and neither is it easy to switch living accommodations as you would be unaware of the new country’s tenant laws.

It may not seem as a big issue but studying in a foreign country entails longer travel time. There may be long stopovers, changing flights, or even long travel to reach airports. It becomes exhausting and tiresome for students to travel with all their luggage.

However, studying abroad is an excellent investment for your future if you’re sure about your choice, of course, and country. If you can study in a foreign country and wish to go, you must apply at least once.