Thanks to the intervention of the internet and the high level of globalization, studying abroad has become extremely popular over the past several years. It has also become much easier to apply to foreign universities in foreign countries and spend at least one semester at the university.
Despite the numerous vital advantages of studying abroad, there are also other disadvantages. Today Just For College will closely examine all the pros and cons of applying to universities in foreign countries.
Pros
Some of the advantages you will gain from studying abroad include:
You Can Make New Friends
One of the most important advantages of studying abroad is making new friends. This could be someone from a native of the county or city you are visiting.
It could also be someone from your program in your new school. Moreover, it is advisable not to isolate yourself and instead get to know your new friends’ various backgrounds and cultures.
By making new friends, you will share great memories and stories with them and be able to learn so much from them.
Therefore, if you happen to meet someone new, don’t be afraid to take a chance to get to know them a little better by starting a simple conversation.
You Get to Learn a New Language
Another obvious advantage of studying abroad is being able to learn new languages. Learning a new language will allow you to quickly socialize, connect and probably blend with people in your new environment. Generally, this means that you can easily make new friends as already suggested!
Learning new languages is also an essential factor that most internship coordinators and employers consider when considering applicants.
Furthermore, speaking a new language is an excellent conversation starter when meeting new people who don’t know about you or your home.
You Have More Study Options
For some international students, studying abroad can offer more flexibility in their learning program than staying home.
For instance, if you are studying business, finance, or economics abroad, you may have more careers to choose from than your previous internships, job opportunities, and even class selections.
What we observed on Just For College that having endless options opens your scope to many new ideas that you probably may not have even considered.
You Can Explore New Places
Regardless of the initial culture shock of studying abroad, you stand a chance of exploring new places.
Additionally, while furthering your education abroad, you have the opportunity to learn inspiring things and visit new places. This is certainly something to look out for if you have never traveled abroad.
Cons
The following are some of the disadvantages of studying abroad:
Losing Time
For many people, studying abroad can be a fantastic learning experience. However, going away for a year or even a semester can negatively affect your degree program when your resume learning.
For example, if you choose to study abroad, you are likely to end up taking an additional school year or even an extra semester.
This is usually done to recover the time lost during the transition. You will have to consider how this will affect your college plan.
That said, make sure to consult with your academic advisors, professors, and people in your study abroad program before considering studying overseas.
These people will help you carefully weigh the options of studying abroad and what to expect during your study abroad. Moreover, they will help you fully exhaust the requirements needed to study abroad.
High Cost
One of the notable disadvantages of studying abroad is how much it will cost. This is because while studying abroad, you will be required to spend on meals, housing, flights, living expenses, tuition, and fees, which are very expensive.
Therefore, if you want to study abroad, remember to research the requirements needed very carefully.
Remember to call your institution and search for any financial help for your specific learning program during your research. Ask them about any grants, scholarships, or any other form of monetary aid that will help cut down the costs needed.
Homesickness
No matter where you go, you are likely to get a little homesick. Additionally, it is perfectly normal to be homesick when you fail to attend certain special occasions like holidays, birthdays, or other special events with your loved ones.
We have all been there, and it can be not easy dealing with it, especially in the beginning but, you will get used to it.
Thanks to social media, it is now possible to converse and connect with your friends and family almost instantly at any time.
Besides, everyone back home misses you just as you miss them, but they will probably want you not to feel miserable because you are homesick.
Language Barrier
Although learning new languages while studying abroad is possible, it can be pretty challenging to communicate with people around you, especially if you have never had any experience speaking or learning the language.
The language barrier can pose a significant problem to your studies abroad and outside your learning environment.
Therefore, it is advisable to join a college in an English-speaking country if you are uncomfortable learning new languages or have trouble getting over the language barrier when learning.
Culture Shock
Generally, moving to an entirely new country and destination can prove to be quite unsettling and take most of your time while trying to settle.
In addition, it can be quite challenging to learn your way around an entirely new area. However, with time and guidance, you will be able to find your way around your new school or site comfortably.
Studying abroad is often considered a once-in-a-lifetime experience so, you should immediately take full advantage of it once you are lucky to have the chance.
However, before you decide that you want to study abroad, there are a number of factors that you should consider, such as its advantages and disadvantages. With this guide, you have a starting point to your ultimate goal of making studying abroad a happy and comfortable experience.
