Pros And Cons of Studying Abroad

Thinking of studying abroad? Let's explore the benefits and drawbacks of doing so, before you give your final answer.

To some, studying abroad may sound like a dream come true. To others, it may only mean additional worries. Understanding the benefits and trade offs of studying abroad shall aid you decide effectively whether this goal fits you or not.

Pros

Broaden understanding on living and society. Studying abroad especially in countries where the language spoken is different, shall push you to observe other's way of life. If before you find it weird that people submit to such practices, once you study abroad you shall acquire a deeper perspective toward the society. You shall understand why people value particular traditions. And consequently you shall learn to respect differences, and see them as more of a motivation than a hindrance.

Encourage resourcefulness. Being alone in an unfamiliar territory shall compel you to be open-minded and independent. Earning friends might take time due to communication barriers. And when you have nobody else but yourself to rely on, you would become stronger and more confident. You have to survive everyday even when you do not understand what everyone else in the room is saying, except for the writing tips you found on http://www.a-writer.com/articles. 

Boost skills. Employers love people who can work well amidst diversity. Big companies are usually global too. Hence, it is an advantage to be multilingual. It also earns you plus points if you know how to deal with individuals that are of different backgrounds. It gives the employers the impression that you can work well with a team, and that you can deliver positive results even when pressure builds up in the office or work environment. You also show that you can be an asset especially to a company that communicates directly with clients. 

Cons

Steep cost. Despite that currencies and monetary value differ per country, generally, it is still costly to study abroad. You will have to spend on everything you need unless probably if there is a relative or a friend where you can stay with, or whom you can share expenses with. But if you totally know nobody, you would have to shoulder everything- from school allowance, to groceries, bills payment and the list goes on. At home, you need not do this all on your own. Your parents can do the laundry or the household errands, while you are studying.

Inevitable homesickness. It is impossible to not miss it back home. There will come instances when you would remember your family and the good friends you left. You shall long to be in a company that knows and understands you fully, that you need not worry about being misinterpreted. This is especially true when you are having tough times at school. You look for a support system that you know would not bring you down, but unfortunately are miles away from you.

High stakes.The danger with studying abroad is that it might take longer and harder than you expected. First there is no such thing as standard curriculum. The quality of education, duration of pursuing academic degrees, and  course requirements vary. You need to conduct thorough research before you sign up for an application in a university. You need to find out from reputable agencies whether the school is an accredited institution. Sometimes, seeking help from your hometown peers might not be that beneficial.

Talk to others that have already tried studying abroad, so you can set expectations. Your needs shall always be unique, even with your closest friends. Listen to suggestions but ensure to also add a piece of yourself- your  interests, strengths  and weaknesses -  as you make up your mind.