Studying abroad is a growing trend among students for many reasons. Most students head to foreign countries for higher education. Affordable fees, equipped learning atmosphere, quality education, and practical learning are the ones that need mentioning. On the contrary, as you begin planning for study in foreign countries, considering both the aspects seems like a thoughtful decision. High expectations can ruin your perception of reality. Let’s consider these drawbacks of Studying Abroad before entering a new land.
Advantages of Studying Abroad
1. Learning Independency
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. From now on, you force to learn more about yourself, find new interests, and remind you of your family values while you’re away. Being independent also makes you more mature and become a better decision-maker.
2. Learning a Different Culture
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.
3. Learning Languages
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.
4. Making New Friends
Making friends is the most important thing to do in an unknown place for international students. This is why many universities have launched special programs 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.
5. Having a good Résumé/CV
Studying abroad on your CV tells employers that you are a well-travelled person who is open to different cultures and different points of view. It also suggests that you have the ability to be independent and that you likely possess valuable language skills.
Disadvantages of Studying Abroad
1. Expensive Cost
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.
2. Language Issues
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 programs in their official/native languages only, whether you are an international student or a local. 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.
3. Homesickness
It’s one of the most common problems every student face while studying in a foreign university. 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.
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.
4. Culture shocks
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. Adjusting to a new culture becomes more difficult, especially if you don’t know the native language of your study destination.
By Thanh Loan
