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Higher education is an incredible privilege that can greatly improve your chance of success later in life and broaden your horizons. And studying abroad gives you an even wider avenue for that. Many people who have experienced this claim it has been life-changing and revolutionary. So, whether you want to try it for a semester, a year, or for the entire course of your education, we are here to tell you that you should!
Of course, you may have many doubts about whether it is reasonable or not. In this article, we will address some of them and give you the pros and cons of studying abroad. Let’s dive in.
The Benefits of Studying Abroad
Most students who have taken a semester abroad claim it has changed their lives. So, let’s look at some pros this experience can give you.
Understanding of the host culture
Americans are often represented as uneducated and ignorant of foreign cultures in the media. And there’s a good reason for that. While for Europeans, traveling to a different country can require as little as a two-hour drive, Americans have to take a plane to go to another state. Hence, long-distance travel is expensive. And it is often unnecessary since the US is so rich in culture and sights to see.
Nevertheless, traveling outside the US can give you a deeper understanding of the world, politics and culture. You may be able to learn a new language, get acquainted with art, and understand other people’s traditions better. Being able to learn about someone else’s culture will allow you to incorporate some new habits into your life or appreciate your own traditions even more.
And if at any point during your time abroad, you feel like studying has become too hard, just look at some WritePaper Review online. As little as having a backup option to rely on, like an essay writing service, can help you feel more secure and relaxed.
Personal growth
Discovering other people’s habits, customs and ways of life can lead you to some interesting conclusions. For example, many southern countries prioritize rest, comfort and balance. Staying in a northern state, however, can teach you about personal boundaries and equality.
Getting out of your comfort zone and habitual way of life may help you discover or develop new sides to your personality. Being immersed in a new culture without knowing the language is not easy. But learning to live with it and meeting new people despite the language barrier and different upbringing can be extremely rewarding. Those friendships may last you a lot longer than you expect. Moreover, they may lead to networking and employment opportunities!
Academic development
The reason people opt for study abroad programs is because those programs offer unique learning opportunities. If you’re studying marine biology but live in a land-locked country, traveling to study closer to the sea will allow you to learn by practicing. You may also get unique disciplines or discover new approaches to teaching.
Besides that, a semester abroad or a foreign diploma will look good on your resume. During your job search, you will inevitably be asked about it. This will be the perfect opportunity to flaunt your unique experience and extensive motivation.
Sometimes, the country you live in just doesn’t offer the infrastructure for certain majors. This is when studying abroad is the best choice. Some countries are simply more developed in different areas, and when choosing where to study, you should definitely consider that.
The Drawbacks of Studying Abroad
Despite all the good things we’ve said above, studying abroad does have its drawbacks. Let’s take a closer look at those.
Culture shock
What can be slightly amusing to one person can turn into a huge argument for another. When choosing a country to study in, explore and research its culture carefully. Look at the population’s religious beliefs and local traditions.
See if the host country is generally English-speaking or not. Although it’s an amazing learning opportunity, it can be very hard to adjust to a country where the majority of people don’t speak English. While it’s always a good idea to learn the basics of the host country’s language, English is a great backup, and it can be hard if nobody speaks it.
Homesickness
Even though many young people’s only dream is leaving home and separating from their parents, the reality may hit them hard. Not having a support net and someone to turn to at any moment can be awful. The truth is many foreign students struggle with loneliness and sometimes even depression. They may not feel welcome in their host country if the culture is too different or they are bad at making connections.
Wrapping Up
Studying abroad is a life-changing experience, that’s for certain. And while it has lots of benefits, it presents its drawbacks as well. Learning about a new country, its traditions, customs and even language can be extremely fulfilling and wholesome.
You may create bonds that will last way into your life and even lead to job prospects. The education level may also be higher and with world-renowned professors. At the same time, if you find it hard to socialize, you may be faced with isolation and even depression.
Some people may also struggle with opposing views when it comes to culture and religion. The bottom line is – choose your country carefully, research the culture well, and try to enjoy the journey.