Despite the conundrums caused by Covid-19, the number of students going abroad to study has been rising steadily. The number of students studying worldwide has been rising steadily, from 2 million in 2000, to well over 6 million in 2019. The rising costs of higher education haven’t dampened the spirits of students. Rather, it seems to be fueled even more with colleges and universities offering a variety of courses with a flexible schedule. There are almost innumerable benefits of studying abroad, but we have narrowed it down to the most important ones below:
- Quality of Education: The quality of education being offered is one of the major reasons driving students to seek universities abroad. Colleges and universities abroad offer impeccable education with exceptional teachers. The overall standard of education is higher, as the institutions are held to a higher benchmark of quality and accreditation. Several colleges and universities abroad are chosen due to their rigorous standards, world-class rankings, with superior career prospects.
- Experience a Different Culture: Relocating to a different country entails experiencing a new culture. Being in a foreign land, with different faces surrounding you, forces one to observe with a fresh perspective. Learning to understand and assimilate the traditions and customs of a nation is an opportunity of a lifetime. It is a chance to try local cuisine and listen to their music while immersing oneself in what the host country offers.
- Better Employment Opportunities: A study experience abroad immediately grabs the attention of a potential employer due to many reasons. It shows a willingness to work with different people and cultures. Being able to pursue education while experiencing and navigating a new country shows a higher level of adaptability. This goes down very well with employers, who are constantly on the lookout for more well-rounded personnel.
- Learn a New Language: Studying abroad comes with an opportunity to learn the host country’s language. Learning a new language will not only help you make friends but also broaden your horizon, both personally and professionally. Irrespective of whether you gain fluency or not, learning a new language is a very useful hobby in itself.
- Self-Reliance & Independence: Leaving the comfort zone of one’s familiar territory and venturing into unknown land is scary. Students abroad often have to manage their housing, navigate a new city, and budget in a new currency while getting an education. This forces you to learn life skills that are certainly not available for those who choose the safety of their home shores. You gain independence and learn to be self-reliant.
Choosing to leave the comfort zone of your own country, and instead seek education in a completely new country is a huge challenge. But time and time it has been indeed proven to be a worthwhile pursuit. An experience of a lifetime enables you to make friends from different parts of the world, as you learn and adapt to dealing with a new set of variables each day. It changes your perspective on life.