Should I Study Abroad in 2023? 17 Reasons Your Country Is Not The Best

Should I study abroad? Before you set out to study abroad, there are certain questions you need to ask to help you make a perfect choice.

In recent times, a good number of students have failed woefully to answer the question, why should I study abroad? This is a result of failure to pay attention to the realities and also a show of great adamancy in carrying out relevant research.

In this article, we’ll answer the relevant questions you must ask before deciding to study abroad.

Look at the table below for an overview of what the post covers.

Is Studying Abroad Worth It?

The opportunity to study abroad presents a valuable experience in our increasingly interconnected world. Therefore, college and graduate students can use study abroad programs to widen their horizons and gain enriching cross-cultural exposure.

Salisbury, one of the authors of the forthcoming monograph, Renewing the Promise, Refining the Purpose: Study Abroad in a New Global Century, says that for students reap the benefits, they need to get out of their comfort zones.

Study abroad programs are designed so that students get a dynamic out-and-out experience where they learn and grow in a different cultural setting, build valuable networks, and imbibe a sense of independence.

Lastly, when you move abroad to study, you will have the chance to see the world, and especially your native country, in a whole new light. Many international students report that this has greatly impacted their development as a person for the rest of their lives.

While you read this, check out: 11 Cheapest Universities in Europe to Study Abroad (Almost Free)

Is It Better To Study Abroad Or To Study In Your Own Country?

In an increasingly globalized world, cross-cultural experience is becoming a vital skill, and individuals who possess it are in high demand. But, because it cannot be taught efficiently through a textbook, it requires real-life experience to gain fluency in this communication style. This couldn’t be said any better.

Regardless of the obvious benefits of studying in your home country, studying abroad is an excellent decision.

When you move abroad to study, you’ll develop a new sense of rationality and learn to see the world in a new light. You’ll also learn to live independently and adjust to a new setting.

More so, you’ll get familiar with different learning patterns and learn new ideas, techniques, and formulas that will be relevant if used in your home country. In other words, the international classroom experience opens the door to new perspectives and dynamics of life realities.

Can I Afford To Study Abroad?

This is one question that can shape your decision to study abroad. To identify your ideal program, check out the tuition, accommodation, cost of living in a particular country, and other fees involved. This will help you budget well and plan strategically.

When you’ve found out the following cost implications, check for scholarships to study abroad or any other financial aid such as student loans.

Meanwhile, let’s look at the average cost of studying abroad.

What Is The Average Cost Of Study Abroad Programs?

Placing an average cost of study abroad programs might not make much sense, as the cost differs according to countries and programs.

However, according to research by the International Institute of Education, the average cost of studying abroad in a foreign country hovers around $18,000 per semester or $36,000 per full academic year. Other indicators use range as a more useful indicator; for example, studying abroad in the U.K. usually costs between $8,000 and $21,000.

Top Reasons Why You Should Study Abroad

Not that you need an excuse to fly to a far-off country to gain a world-class education, but here’s our list of 25 reasons to study abroad, just in case you’re not convinced. 

And for those of you who have already studied abroad, I’m sure you can relate. Let us know in the comments if you can think of any more good reasons to study abroad and whether you agree with the list so far!

#17 It looks good on your CV

Getting to study abroad will put you in front of every potential employee. This is because the experience of living internationally shows that you have a higher level of adaptability, a broader skillset, and the ability to deal with situations and people from different perspectives.

#16 It will make you spontaneous and adventurous

Leaving your home country to study abroad creates a sense of adventure and spontaneity that studying in your home country wouldn’t have given you. Here, you get exposed to a new lifestyle, visit new places with friends, and explore new locations.

#15 You’ll gain a global mindset

Studying abroad opens up a global mindset for international students. Unlike studying in your home country, where your knowledge is delimited by many factors, studying abroad gives you a broader outlook and widened perspectives on learning models, advancements, problem-solving, critical thinking, and even better knowledge of how some systems work.

#14 Take advantage of lower tuition fees

Most study-abroad destinations offer low tuition and funding opportunities to international students.

This, of course, depends on where you study abroad. Still, choose a location in many parts of continental Europe, Asia, and Latin America. You’ll find it’s achievable to study at a highly reputed university without getting into too much debt.

#13 You’ll explore new places

Studying abroad will give you access to new amazing places. As an international student, you’ll always be eager to visit iconic centers, try out new foods, attend local events, go hiking, attend exhibitions, and generally do something you ordinarily won’t be doing in your home country.

Also, see: 5 Top Countries to Study MS Abroad in 2023

#12 You’ll Increase Your Adaptability

Every international student comes out as one with a higher level of adaptability due to cross-cultural exposure.

Ideally, your ability to survive on international soil shows your ability to adapt to new cultures and situations.

#11 Increase new international job prospects

A new study released by the Institute of International Education’s Center for Academic Mobility Research and Impact reveals a positive impact on study-abroad participants in the job market post-graduation. Studying abroad increases global competence, including language skills and cultural literacy.

The study found that studying abroad increased several skills, including cognition, curiosity, flexibility, adaptability, confidence, self-awareness, intercultural skills, interpersonal skills, communication, problem-solving, language, tolerance, teamwork, leadership skills, and work ethic.

#10 See your own culture through a new lens

We all have and operate within a culture. Cultural lens analogy helps us understand that we all naturally see things differently and that we typically use these perceptions to judge what is right, wrong, acceptable, or unacceptable.

Therefore, the desire to leave your home country for a country with a new outlook and culture has been greatly applauded over the years as it helps you see your culture through another lens and have more reasons to believe in the beauty of cultural diversity.

In order words, it leaves you much more appreciative of other cultures.

#9 Study and learn differently

Often those studying abroad will experience a completely new way of teaching. This can be daunting, but it will also open your mind to new ways of learning.

This learning pattern creates a new mindset and approaches to practical and logical issues that come with learning.

#8 Find New Interests

Finding new interests involves knowing new things and getting familiar with things you don’t associate with before.

Studying abroad helps you find new interests through its dynamic exposure to new friends, new environments, new cultural settings, new skills learned, etc.

You’ll also have the chance to discover other new and exciting forms of entertainment. Plays, movies, dancing, nightclubs, and concerts are just a few activities you can enjoy.

Use your spare time to explore in between lectures and lab sessions. Studying abroad should leave plenty of time to explore, whether you like visiting iconic landmarks, trying new foods, or bartering at local markets.

#7 Become independent

It’s often said that going to university is when you become truly independent from your parents and family. This is especially true when you go to university in another country!

Bringing us full circle, becoming independent is itself a challenge. But living and studying in another country will help shape you into an independent and adventurous adult, ready to succeed in your future career.

#6 Make new friends

Studying abroad helps you build valuable relationships with people from all over the world. You broaden your international connections while having the opportunity to meet people that could turn into lifelong friends. Some connections can even lead to career opportunities, including internships, job offers, and business partners.

The university where you study will often have a large community of students from local regions and abroad, allowing you to meet people from different backgrounds and cultures.

The wider your network, the greater the likelihood you’ll be connected to interesting career and social opportunities.

#5. Improve your Career opportunities

Ideally, one of the major reasons for studying abroad is to get a degree that improves your career prospects. In a globalized setting, employers increasingly place greater value on graduates with international experience.

Studying abroad helps you to learn new languages, appreciate other cultures, overcome the challenges of living in another country, and gain a greater understanding of the world.

It will also expose you to understanding the idea of goal setting and time management, which is one of those critical skills that modern businesses look out for when hiring.

#4. Learn a new language

By studying abroad, you’ll have the chance to hone your language skills, especially when you’re studying in a country that doesn’t speak your local language.

While studying a language in class is rewarding, applying it to the real world is an entirely original experience. That’s to say; you’re more likely to learn a new language faster by practicing it regularly.

Developing your language skills or learning a new language can have a positive impact on your career as well.

According to northeastern.edu, many international organizations rely on foreign language skills and proficiency as one of the key components of a candidate’s competitiveness during the selection process.

#3 Experience a different culture

Studying abroad helps you to learn new languages, appreciate other cultures, overcome the challenges of living in another country, and gain a greater understanding of the world. These are all things that modern businesses look for when hiring, and such traits will only become more important in the future. So, you see, it’s a huge win.

#2 Get access to top-quality education

Most international study destinations offer quality education to students.

Becoming an international student can broaden your study options. After all, why be limited to choosing a university in your home country?

Often, the best choice for you may be to study at a foreign university. For example, the UK, USA, and Australia all have extremely highly regarded higher education systems, and many of the world’s highest ranking universities are in these few countries.

Before you go, see: How to Write an Irresistible Study Abroad Essay

#1 International exposure

One of the most common reasons for studying abroad is the numerous challenges and rewards that come with it. A new air of reality dawns on you from the point of departure to the point of arrival.

This new feeling gives a sense of fulfillment that is difficult to explain in words. Additionally, the skills gained through studying abroad have a long-term impact on progression.

Conclusion

Could this be said any better? Studying abroad offers an experience that studying in your home country doesn’t offer.

FAQs

References

• topuniversities.com – 25 Reasons To Study Abroad
• internationalstudents.com – 10 Benefits of Studying Abroad
• kaplanpathways.com – The Top 8 Reasons Why You Should Study Abroad

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