Advantages of Studying Abroad
Getting an education is one of the ways by which we can secure a good future for ourselves. Not only does education provide us with the academic learning that will enable us to perform well in our future careers, but it also provides us with the experiences that will help us grow and mature and prepare us for a world that’s full of uncertainties.
I was with this mindset when I chose to give up my job in my home country for an opportunity to study in the United States. I saw it as an opportunity to expand my learning and experiences and indeed, expand my world.
As they say, experience is the best teacher, and indeed, one of the main advantages of studying abroad is the vast array of experiences that an international student can have. For one, it allows a student to experience a foreign culture. Although it may be quite a shock at first, learning to adjust to new cultures and new customs can enrich a student in that it helps the student gain new insights and open their minds to new perspectives. It introduces them to diversity and enables them to see that everyone is just equal regardless of their color, culture, or race. The United States is particularly a good place for learning about diversity since the United States is the melting pot of the many cultures around the world.
In addition, studying abroad, particularly in the United States, enables a student to learn a second language, which is important, considering that globalization is becoming more and more prevalent. More specifically, learning English and becoming more fluent with it will be very helpful as English is the language commonly used in business communications. However, not only does studying abroad help a student learn a second language; it also helps them communicate with various cultures, which involves not only a difference in the languages used but also in the non-verbal cues and in the context of the communication.
On a more personal note, studying abroad enables a student to get involved in activities that would not be possible in their home country. These would include activities such as riding bicycles, experiencing snow (if their home country doesn’t have snow), as well as in participating in various groups or organizations, which may not be available in their home countries. Moreover, studying abroad enables the student to learn to be independent. That alone is already a major challenge, especially for those who are used to living with their families. Learning to live independently in a foreign country makes it even harder, especially when the student would initially not know anyone and would be unfamiliar with the language. Even doing basic things such as buying food or finding a place to stay would prove to be hard. Finding friends and fitting in would also be difficult. However, once the student overcomes all these initial challenges then they become stronger and more confident that they can handle tough situations. Whereas students in their home country are still preparing to face the world, students who study abroad are already facing the world even while they’re getting their education. This brings them a step ahead of their peers in their home countries as they’re able to get the experiences and the opportunities for learning that will not be available for the students in their home countries.
Moreover, getting an education abroad can greatly add to one’s academic learning, especially with the advanced universities in the United States. It can offer students with different sets of curricula that may not be available to them in their home countries.
As such, given all these enriching experiences and increased academic knowledge, a student who completes their degree abroad will have increased prospects for employment compared to those who studied in their home countries. Their experience of living abroad and succeeding with their studies abroad may be considered signs of their competency and skills. Also, as mentioned earlier, globalization is becoming more and more prevalent among businesses such that hiring an employee with experience in interacting and working with people from various cultures and backgrounds will be considered preferable to one who does not have such experience.
Finally, getting an education abroad, together with all the insights and perspectives gained, enable the student to share their knowledge and experiences back in their home countries and hopefully enable them to contribute to the betterment of their society. Since not everyone in the students’ home countries will have the opportunity or the resources to study abroad, a student who does get that opportunity and shares their learning with others in whatever form would surely be admirable. As well, by increasing their knowledge and experiences from their studies abroad, which in turn will result in better career opportunities, these students will be able to have the chance to help their families, especially if they’re the breadwinners in their families.
Needless to say, obtaining an education abroad opens so many doors for the students. Although it undoubtedly comes with just as many sacrifices and challenges as successes and opportunities, all of these combined still make the student a stronger, more knowledgeable, and better rounded person who’s ready to face the future.
I am a living testament to this as I am a very glad that I grabbed the opportunity to study in the United States. It will all be worth it in the end and for anyone who gets the same opportunity, it’s definitely an opportunity that should not be missed.
