an essay living and studying in another country

Essays About Moving to a New Country: Top 5 Examples

Being in a new country comes with both disadvantages and opportunities to thrive. If you are writing essays about moving to a new country, check out our guide.

Most of us can say that we have moved homes at least once before; if this is daunting on its own, what more a completely different country? People often move to have better opportunities for a job or a lower cost of living, but moving to a new country gives us a chance to thrive beyond that. A life-changing experience also presents us with many challenges, some quick to face and others that take months or even years to overcome. 

The experience of moving to a new country is only what you make of it. You can learn so much from such a dramatic lifestyle change, but only if you embrace it and make the most of it. This is not to say you shouldn’t feel stress, sadness, or confusion with the change, but change is constant in life and should not be shunned. Take advantage of the opportunity and thrive.

5 Top Essay Examples

1. moving to a new country essay by rosh, 2. what nobody will tell you about moving to a new country by zulie rane, 3. getting adjusted after moving to a new country by laura mueller, 4. how to cope with stress when moving abroad by josh jackman, 5. when moving to a new country please don’t do this by iva ursano, 1. why move to a new country, 2. where would you move, and why, 3. advantages and disadvantages of moving to a new country, 4. my experience moving to another country, 5. migration and immigration today, 6. lessons a new country can teach you.

“It goes without saying that moving to a new place is a thrilling adventure. The endless list of foods that you have never tasted before, visiting places that you have always seen on the television screen, smells and sounds that have captured your imagination and experiencing the cultures and traditions that are outright different from yours is something that no one wants to miss.”

In this essay, Rosh lists why one might want to move to a new country. These include professional growth, a new adventure, and making new friends. Moving can be a great new experience that can teach you a lot while being exciting at the same time. Rosh also describes a few problems to consider when moving to another country, such as the language barrier and financial issues. 

Looking for more? Check out these essays about moving to a new place .

“I wish I’d had a little more perspective back then. I wish I’d been a little better at detangling what I liked and what I didn’t like, and what the root cause was. I wish I’d been less caught up in the idea of myself as a worldly traveler, and a little more honest about what I aimed for in life. I wish I’d believed I could have stayed and made a difference about the things I cared about, instead of fleeing east.”

Rane discusses how she left Georgia, U.S.A., for the U.K. and why she regrets it. She was at odds with the slow pace of life, her peers’ political views, and her high school experience, so she decided to apply for college abroad. However, reflecting on it now, she is homesick and regrets her decision. She laments how moving is idealized without showing the negative aspects of such a change. 

“Think about the things that you’d like to achieve after moving to a new country, be it becoming fluent in the language, finding a job, finding a group of friends, etc. Then take active steps to achieve it. Working toward distinct goals will give your day’s purpose at a time when everything may seem so up in the air, and the goals themselves will help you become more a part of your surrounding community.”

In her essay, Mueller writes about several tips that can help you get used to a new country, such as learning a bit of the language and culture, going out to explore, and adjusting your routine to one more standard for the country you are in. Most importantly, she suggests setting new goals for your new country, so you have something to focus on. Mueller also stresses the importance of staying connected with your loved ones back home. Check out these essays about home .

“If moving abroad is all you think about for most of the next year, it will take your joy and your sanity – so take a break every so often. When you feel like you’re underwater, clear your thoughts, take a deep breath or five, and give yourself a moment to be silent. Then consider doing something else for a while, before you tackle the next moving issue.”

Similarly to Mueller, Jackman lists down several ways to adjust to the stress that comes with moving to a new country, such as selling some of your unnecessary belongings and listing what you are excited about. He also discusses the importance of self-care, saying it’s fine to take a break and relax, even taking time off work if necessary. You might also be interested in these articles about immigration .

“It was horrible. Downright pathetic. I showed up as an entitled North American not realizing that I’m the stranger here now. I’m the visitor. I’m the guest. If I didn’t like it, any of it, I could move. No one forced me to live here. Actually, no one even invited me or asked me to move here. Not a soul. I did this on my own.”

Ursano reflects on how she was when she moved to Guatemala, fresh from Canada. Having moved from a first-world country to a third-world country, she was, at first, incredibly entitled. She constantly complained about the internet service, language barrier, and “dirty” city. She explains that when you move to a different place, it can take a while to get used to it. But now, she loves Guatemala and never wants to leave. 

6 Prompts To Help You Begin Writing On Essays About Moving To A New Country

People move to other countries for many reasons, whether financial, social, political, or otherwise. In your essay, research the most common causes of moving to another country. Cite surveys, statistics, and research to support your claims, and be sure to explain your points adequately. 

Think of a country you would want to move to and consider the advantages and disadvantages. Then, for your essay, briefly describe your chosen country and explain what makes it so appealing to you. Then, describe some aspects of the country that make you want to move there, such as culture, economic opportunity, and laws. 

As stated previously, moving has its advantages and disadvantages. First, think of the different obstacles and opportunities moving to a new country may pose and discuss each one in your essay. Then, conclude whether you would personally want to move to a new country; consider whether it would be worth it or not. 

Looking for more? Check out these essays about personal growth .

If you have moved to another country before, reflect on this time and write about it in your essay. Describe why you or your family decided to move, how you initially felt moving and how your feelings changed over time. Also, explain how this big step in life has helped make you who you are today.

In an increasingly connected world, more and more people are leaving their countries to move to new ones. Research this phenomenon and discuss its causes and implications for the countries involved. You can also discuss statistics related to this, such as the nations where most people flee or go to. Lastly, discuss your feelings on this matter and how you would like to see this resolved: do you think more should be done so that people don’t feel the need to leave their countries? Answer this question in your essay.

Moving can give you a whole new outlook on life and can teach you a lot. Based on personal experience and research, decide on some lessons and life skills that moving to a new country can give you, including independence, tolerance, and an understanding of a new culture. Then, describe how each of these can make you a better person. 

Tip: If writing an essay sounds like a lot of work, simplify it. Write a simple 5 paragraph essay instead.If you’re still stuck, check out our general resource of essay writing topics .

Martin is an avid writer specializing in editing and proofreading. He also enjoys literary analysis and writing about food and travel.

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How Living Abroad Helps You Develop a Clearer Sense of Self

• Otilia Obodaru,
• Jackson G. Lu,
• William Maddux,
• Adam D. Galinsky

Research finds it’s driven by how long you’ve lived abroad, not where.

In today’s increasingly globalized world, more and more people are choosing to live, work and study abroad — and this trend appears to be a good thing: Social science studies have shown that international experiences can enhance creativity, reduce intergroup bias, and promote career success. Researchers set out to examine whether and how international experiences can transform a person’s sense of self. Specifically, they focused on “self-concept clarity,” the extent to which someone’s understanding of himself or herself is “clearly and confidently defined, internally consistent, and temporally stable” — a trait that has been linked to increased well-being and job performance. In six studies with 1,874 participants, they found that living abroad leads to greater self-concept clarity — which can lead to clearer career decisions — and what matters is depth rather than breadth of living abroad experiences.

In today’s increasingly globalized world, more and more people are choosing to live, work and study abroad —and this trend appears to be a good thing: social science studies have shown that international experiences can enhance creativity , reduce intergroup bias , and promote career success .

• HA Hajo Adam is an assistant professor of management at Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business.
• OO Otilia Obodaru is an assistant professor of management at Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business.
• JL Jackson G. Lu is an assistant professor at the MIT Sloan School of Management.
• WM William Maddux is a professor of organizational behavior at the Kenan-Flagler School of Business, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
• Adam D. Galinsky is the chair of the Management Division at the Columbia Business School. He co-authored the critically acclaimed and best-selling book,  Friend & Foe  (Penguin Random House, 2015), and delivered a popular TED talk,  How to Speak Up for Yourself .

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63 Study Abroad Essay Examples & Topics

Looking for study abroad topics to write about? Studying in another country is one of the most beneficial experiences for students.

• 🏆 Best Essay Examples
• 📌 Research Titles
• 🗺 Topics to Write about

❓ Questions About Studying Abroad

In your studying abroad essay, you might want to write about advantages and disadvantages of being an international student. Another option is to describe the process of making application for a scholarship. One more idea is to share your personal experience. Whether you’re planning to write an argumentative, descriptive, or persuasive essay, our article will be helpful. Here we’ve collected top studying abroad essay samples and research titles ‍‍‍‍for scholarship papers.

🏆 Best Studying Abroad Essay Examples

• Why Studying Abroad Results in Better Education For most people, especially in developing nations, the only way to gain an education that will satisfy the demands of the international job market is by studying abroad.
• Should Students Study Abroad? Studying abroad offers students an opportunity to travel to new countries and have new experiences that expand their perceptions of the world.
• Specifics of Studying Abroad The purpose of this paper is to discuss the most common benefits and drawbacks, as well as overall outcomes that are related to studying abroad and to recommend the ways to handle the drawbacks.
• Challenges of Studying Abroad A closer look at the information provided by the majority of the companies specializing in student transfer and the related services will reveal that a range of essential data, especially the information concerning the financial […]
• Declining Direct Public Support for Higher Education in USA Partisanship interest in the debate for renewal of the Higher Education Act and a Senate inquiry to validate the governance of the non-profit economic sectors of the United States has demonstrated the complexity of public […]
• The Social Role of Higher Education in UK In addition to this, higher education provides a set of values that changes the students to face the existing and the future problems facing the society and the various sectors of work that they operate […]
• International Education in Australia China is a good market for Australian education and in the year 2010 a sum of 284700 students from China left the country to further their studies most of them on their own expenses.
• The Criteria and Benefits That Allow Students to Work Abroad The most direct experience that a person gets while studying abroad is the understanding of the business world and economics. There is no doubt that the environments and culture of a country are the major […]
• Education in Australia as a Tool of Promoting Equality of Opportunity The main objective of vocational education and training is to promote the people, the society, and the economy and to upgrade the labor market.
• A Benefits of Education Abroad One of the qualitative aspects of the educational reality in today’s world is the fact that, as time goes on, the number of students who decide in favor of studying abroad increases rather exponentially.

📌 Research Titles about Studying Abroad

• Do Study Abroad Programs Enhance the Employability of Graduates
• The Effect Of Study Abroad On Studying Abroad
• Culture and Study Abroad and Some Drawbacks
• How Does Study Abroad Affect A Student ‘s View Of Professional
• Analysis Of Some Of The Benefits Of Study Abroad
• Do People Who Study Abroad Become More Successful
• Increasing Number Of Worldwide People Go Study Abroad
• The Lowering Ages of Students Who Study Abroad
• Colleges Should Make It Mandatory: For Students To Study Abroad For Specific Major’s
• Should Students Spend Lots Of Money For Study Abroad

🗺 Study Abroad Topics to Write about

• The Cultural Shock That Students Face When They Study Abroad
• Advantages and Dis Advantages of Further Study Abroad
• Interlanguage Pragmatic Competence in the Study Abroad
• The Study Abroad Trip On Australia
• History Of Study Abroad And Exchange Programs
• An Analysis of Many Students Wishing to Study Abroad
• Most Study Abroad Program Should Be Rename Party Abroad They Are Waste of Time
• Why College Students Should Study Abroad
• Analysis Of Michelle Obama ‘s Reasons For Study Abroad
• Study Abroad Is Beneficial For All College Students
• The Journey of Traveling and The Study Abroad
• Analysis: Why Student Chose to Study Abroad
• The Benefits of Choosing to Study Abroad
• How Is Studying Abroad Helps Improve Language Skills?
• Which Country Are More Successful for Studying Abroad?
• Is Studying Abroad a Good Idea?
• Does Studying Abroad Induce a Brain Drain?
• Why Is Studying Abroad Beneficial?
• How Is the Studying Abroad Effects Learning About Different Cultures?
• What Are the Cons of Studying Abroad?
• Is Studying Abroad a Waste of Time?
• Does Studying Abroad Enhance Employability?
• What Are the Positive and Negative Influences of Studying Abroad?
• How Capital Accumulation Through Studying Abroad and Return Migration?
• Which Country Is Best for Studying Abroad?
• What Is Culture Shock When Studying Abroad?
• What Is the Impact of Studying Abroad on Global Awareness?
• What Are the Disadvantages of Studying Abroad?
• Which Country Is Cheapest for Studying Abroad?
• Is Studying Abroad Expensive?
• What Are Important Reasons for Studying Abroad?
• Is It Difficult to Studying Abroad?
• What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying Abroad?
• Which Country Is Hard for Studying Abroad In?
• What Is the Impact of Studying Abroad?
• What Are the Effects of Studying Abroad on College Students?
• What Are Main Hardships While Studying Abroad?
• Is It Better to Studying Abroad or Locally?
• Does Studying Abroad Help Academic Achievement?
• Does Studying Abroad Cause International Labor Mobility?
• What Are the Differences Between Studying Locally and Studying Abroad?
• Do Students Who Studying Abroad Achieve Tremendous Success?
• What Are the Pros and Cons of Studying Abroad?
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2023, October 26). 63 Study Abroad Essay Examples & Topics. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/study-abroad-essay-examples/

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• Why Study Abroad? 10 Benefits of Studying in an International Environment

ORA students enjoying a lesson outside – Image Copyright Oxford Royale Summer Schools 2014 – All Rights Reserved

Here at Oxford Royale Summer Schools , we’re immensely proud of the fact that students come from all over the world to study with us.

You should also read…

• 6 Great Benefits of Studying A-levels in Britain for Foreign Students
• A Guide to British Schools for International Pupils

This year, we’re expecting the number of different student nationalities to top 100, with students coming to us from as far afield as Angola, Azerbaijan, Nepal and even the British Indian Ocean Territory. This cosmopolitan mix of cultures creates a uniquely diverse academic and social environment for those who study with us , and the sheer number of different viewpoints makes for endlessly interesting academic discussions. In this article, we’re celebrating the diversity of our student groups with a look at the numerous benefits of studying in an international environment like Oxford Royale Summer Schools.

1. International connections

One of the best things about studying in an international environment is that it brings you into contact with people from all over the world, meaning that you can create a global network of contacts. These international connections aren’t just a source of new good friends; they could prove invaluable, even years down the line, when it comes to your career. Among them could be the future chief executive of a major company in the industry you end up working for, or a future business partner or client. You never know when the contacts you make will prove useful in business, and having an international network of them is even better, because they have the potential to open up even more opportunities for you. In business, it’s still the case that “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” – so the more people you know, and the wider the geographic area they come from, the better. What’s more, as well as the friends you’ll make, you may also make contacts who live in the city in which you go to study; these may also prove useful if you decide to come back to the same city on a longer-term basis in the future, at which point you’ll be needing someone’s advice about things like getting a job and where to find somewhere to live.

2. Exposure to different cultures and viewpoints

Mixing with people from all over the world exposes you to a variety of different cultures, not to mention viewpoints you might not previously have considered. Our cultural background can have a big bearing on how we respond to different situations or issues, and getting a variety of fresh perspectives on such things can be very intellectually stimulating, helping you look at things in a completely new way. By befriending people from other cultures, you’ll learn about how differently things are done or viewed elsewhere in the world, which teaches you about other cultures at the same time as widening your own horizons and broadening your mind. It can be particularly interesting, for instance, to discuss current affairs with those from the countries affected by the issues you read about in the news; the media puts its own slant on the world’s problems, and hearing about them from the perspective of someone who’s directly affected by them can be eye-opening and fascinating, not just in terms of the issues themselves, but also, more generally, in the way in which they are portrayed in a certain way by the media. You’d be amazed at how biased the media can be, and talking to people from the cultures affected will help you see the situation more objectively and be more questioning of what you read in the papers or see on the news. This is just one of innumerable examples of the interesting conversations that could spark up in an international environment.

3. Exposure to a different form of teaching

Wherever in the world you end up studying, you’re likely to encounter different styles of teaching from what you’re used to. Different countries inevitably have different ways of doing things, so trying out the educational offering of another country will help you expand your academic horizons and develop your ability to adapt to different educational environments. This will doubtless help you adapt to the very different style of teaching at university. At Oxford Royale Summer Schools, our teaching style focuses on small academic discussion groups, which place emphasis on students expressing their opinions and engaging in debate. This develops your confidence in articulating your own views, challenging preconceptions and communicating clearly and persuasively – all skills that will stand you in good stead for university and beyond.

4. Studying abroad is good for the CV

You can put periods of study abroad on your CV, and it’s likely to impress employers, who like to see potential employees who’ve gone out and experienced things and actively developed themselves as people. What’s more, in the age of the internet, business is increasingly done on an international scale, so having some international experience can only be beneficial to your career prospects. International study reveals you to be a more well-rounded person who’s capable of taking on new challenges and seeing things on a global level. It’s also a good way to prove your language skills to a potential employer; those who can speak more than one language are likely to be more in demand for many kinds of jobs, particularly in industries in which additional languages are an advantage, such as the travel sector.

5. Enhance your language skills

It goes without saying that if you’re going to study in a country in which the native language is not your own, it’s the perfect opportunity to develop your language skills like never before. For example, if you’re fairly good at English but it isn’t your native language, you’ll benefit enormously from studying in the UK and being able to converse in English, both in a social and academic environment. You’ll hear all sorts of new idioms and colloquialisms that you’ve probably not been taught before, and you’ll start to speak English more like an English person. Your pronunciation will come on in leaps and bounds, as will your vocabulary, and you’ll make more progress than you ever could from simply reading a book. Studying in the UK also gives you the chance to develop your written academic English skills, which will come in very handy should you decide to come to university in the UK. Developing this style of more formal English will also come in useful in your career, should you decide to work in an international company or even get a job in the UK. A high standard of written English may prove useful in all manner of different business situations, such as writing proposals, presentations, emails, website pages, blog posts, newsletters, and other marketing materials. This means that the linguistic benefits of studying abroad are likely to go far beyond the initial boost it will give to your English.

6. Experience life in another country

In addition to the academic and career benefits of studying abroad, another major benefit is that it allows you to experience life in a different country. Living and studying abroad, even for a couple of weeks, will give you a much greater insight into life in that country than you would get from coming on holiday as a tourist, and it gives you the chance to live a little differently from how you’re used to. For example, if you come to Oxford Royale Summer Schools, you’ll call Oxford your home for the duration of your course, using public transport, getting to know the city, seeing a little of the rest of England and mixing with those who live in Oxford, namely our staff and faculty. You’ll notice all the quirky little things that make Oxford so unique, and you’ll witness first-hand many of the eccentric traits for which the Brits are famous (our obsession with the weather, for example). You can’t get a better way of discovering what it’s really like to live in Oxford, and you’ll come away with a much better knowledge of Oxford than most of the tourists who flock here.

7. Be a tourist

Of course, as well as experiencing the realities of everyday life in the country you choose to study in, studying abroad also gives you the opportunity to be a tourist in that country as well. During your time off, of which there should be plenty scheduled into your timetable of work, you can do some sight-seeing and explore local attractions, such as museums and landmarks. At Oxford Royale Summer Schools, we take our students on several day trips to interesting tourist destinations such as central London, Blenheim Palace and Stonehenge; it’s a great way for them to unwind after a busy schedule of academic study, and they enjoy being able to shop for souvenirs to take back to their friends and families. Wherever you choose to study, though, it’s the perfect opportunity to see a bit more of the world and perhaps even cross a few things off your bucket list. What’s more, as a student, you’ll probably be able to get into lots of the tourist hotspots at a discounted rate, if not free – so going abroad as a student is the best time to see the sights!

8. Discover new foods

One of the great things about studying abroad and making friends from other countries is that you’ll have loads of opportunities to discover tasty new cuisines. As well as sampling the local food in the country you study in, you’ll have made friends from other cultures who can introduce you to their favourite foods from their own countries. One of the activities we run on some of our courses is a cooking competition, which gives our students the perfect chance to show off both their cooking skills and the delicious foods originating from their country.

9. Boost your confidence and maturity

The idea of studying abroad may seem daunting at first – and it’s understandable if you feel a little nervous as well as excited as you board the plane bound for your course – but you’ll soon discover that there’s nothing to worry about. Overcoming this initial difficulty in turn develops your maturity and your ability to handle new situations. I spent time abroad when I was at university, and I have no doubt that these periods of my life helped to shape the person I am today. The whole experience of going abroad for a period of time to study will be an enormous confidence boost, as you’ll find out what you’re capable of coping with, and you’ll find that you can thrive even in these new and very different circumstances. What’s more, as we’ve already seen, if you’re going to a country in which the language is not your own, it will also boost your confidence in communicating in another language – something that many students find nerve-wracking to begin with.

10. New friends to go and visit

Studying abroad, or in an international environment at home, will enable you to make friends with people from all around the world. These are people whom you could go and visit in their own countries, so you could well end up experiencing even more of the world than the country you initially went to study in. There’s nothing like visiting a country with a local; they’ll show you what it’s really like to live there, not just the side that the tourists see. You can also return the favour, of course, and invite your new international friends to come and stay with you in your own country; then you’ll get to show an outsider all the things you love about your own country. Their fresh perspective on your home country will likely be quite eye-opening and will help you see your own country from a different point of view. And it’s always good to get a different perspective – it keeps you challenging your own opinions, an essential tenet of academia. Hopefully this list has shown you that studying abroad is tremendously beneficial in a great many ways. If you’re thinking of studying abroad yourself, why not come and study with us in the scholarly environs of Oxford University?

Image credits: train ; carnival ; Oxford ; street ; croquet ; photos ; food ; friends . 

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10 Benefits to Studying Abroad

Studying abroad may be one of the most beneficial experiences for a college student. By studying abroad, students have the opportunity to study in a foreign nation and take in the allure and culture of a new land. Here is a list of the top 10 reasons to study abroad!

1. See the World

The biggest reason you should consider a study abroad program is the opportunity to see the world . By studying abroad, you will experience a brand-new country with incredible new outlooks, customs and activities. The benefits of studying abroad include the opportunity to see new terrains, natural wonders, museums and landmarks of your host nation.

In addition, when you’re abroad, you won’t be limited to traveling in just the nation in which you are studying – you can see neighboring countries as well! For example, if you study in France, you’ll have the option to travel through various parts of Europe including London , Barcelona , and Rome.

2. Education

Another reason you might consider studying abroad is for the chance to experience different styles of education . By enrolling in a study abroad program, you’ll have the chance to see a side of your major that you may not have been exposed to at home.

You’ll find that completely immersing yourself in the education system of your host country is a great way to really experience and understand the people, its traditions, and its culture. Education is the centerpiece of any study abroad trip—it is, after all, a study abroad program—and choosing the right school is a very important factor.

3. Take in a New Culture

Many students who choose to study abroad are leaving their home for the first time. When they arrive in their new host country, they are fascinated by the distinct cultural perspectives. When you study abroad you will find incredible new foods, customs, traditions, and social atmospheres.

You will find that you have a better understanding and appreciation for the nation’s people and history. You will have the opportunity to witness a completely new way of life.

4. Hone Your Language Skills

Chances are if you’re planning on studying abroad, one of the major draws is the opportunity to study a foreign language. Studying abroad grants you the opportunity to completely immerse yourself in a new language, and there is no better way to learn than to dive right in.

In addition to the considerable language practice you will get just in day to day life, your host university will likely offer language courses to provide you with a more formal education. Immerse yourself in a new culture and go beyond a purely academic experience

5. Career Opportunities

When you finish your study abroad program and return home, you will return with a new perspective on culture, language skills, a great education, and a willingness to learn. Needless to say, all of these are very attractive to future employers.

Many students find that they love their host country so much that they decide to seek work there. If you can relate, you will find that a local education will be very valuable when searching for a potential job in that country.

6. Find New Interests

If you are still questioning why to study abroad, you should know that studying in a different country offers many new activities and interests that you may never have discovered if you’d stayed at home. You might find that you have an as-yet undiscovered talent for hiking, water sports, snow skiing, golf, or various other new sports you may never have tried back home.

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 that you can enjoy.

7. Make Lifelong Friends

One of the biggest benefits of studying abroad is the opportunity to meet new lifelong friends from different backgrounds. While studying abroad, you will attend school and live with students from your host country. This gives you the opportunity to really get to know and create lasting relationships with your fellow students.

After the study abroad program ends, make an effort stay in contact with your international friends. In addition to rewarding personal relationships, these friends can also be important networking tools later down the road.

8. Personal Development

There is nothing quite like being on your own in a foreign country. You might find that studying abroad really brings out your independent nature. Students who study abroad become explorers of their new nation and really discover the curiosity and excitement that they harbor.

A benefit to studying abroad is the opportunity to discover yourself while gaining an understanding of a different culture. Being in a new place by yourself can be overwhelming at times, and it tests your ability to adapt to diverse situations while being able to problem solve.

9. Graduate School Admissions

Like future employers, graduate school admissions boards look very highly on study abroad experiences. Students that study abroad display diversity and show that they aren’t afraid to seek out new challenges or put themselves in difficult situations.

Most importantly, students who have studied abroad show just how committed they are to their education. Graduate schools regularly look for candidates who will bring a unique aspect to their university. Students who have studied abroad have shown that they have the curiosity and educational acumen to be a leader in graduate school.

10. Life Experience

Why study abroad? For most students, this time may be the only opportunity they ever get to travel abroad for a long period of time. Eventually you will find a job and career, and the opportunity to study abroad may turn out to be a once in a life time opportunity.

Take this opportunity to travel the world with no commitments but to study and learn about new cultures. Studying abroad is an experience unlike any other.

These are just some of the advantages of studying abroad. The benefits of this experience really can’t be explained in such a short article. Boost your language skills as you live in another country, get out of your comfort zone and meet people from different places of the world and at the same time get the best education.

Living in another country exposes you to things you cannot experience in your home country and in the future it will help you stand out from the competition as you apply for jobs and your experience of studying abroad is somethig you can share on your resume.

What's Next?

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What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying Abroad?

January 26, 2023

Authored By:

@cieestudyabroad These are the pros and cons of studying abroad! #cieestudyabroad #studyabroad #studyabroadadvice #studyabroadprograms #wheretostudyabroad #howtostudyabroad #college Sunshine - WIRA

Studying abroad is a big decision. On one hand, it’s a life-changing opportunity that only comes around during your college years. On the other hand, it can feel like a total leap of faith. 

If you’re on the fence about taking the next step with CIEE Study Abroad, keep reading! W e’ve created the ultimate list of the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad . Why? So, you can make an informed decision about whether studying abroad is the right choice for YOU.  

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Read More: Is Studying Abroad Worth It? 10 Outcomes of Studying Abroad  

The Pros  of Study Abroad

Studying abroad opens the door to a world of new possibilities. We couldn't be more passionate about that. The benefits of living and learning in a new culture will impact all parts of your life, from the day you enroll to every day thereafter.  

You will be surprised at the impact this one experience will have on you. And you will be so glad you took that leap of faith, after all. 

The Top Advantages of Studying Abroad  

As you weigh the pros of studying abroad, add these to your list:  

1. You will learn to think more broadly.    

By immersing yourself in a new culture, you will be exposed to a new language, new perspectives, foreign foods, and life-changing experiences. All of this will change the way you see the world and your role in it. 

2. You will make lifelong connections.    

By sharing new experiences, you can’t help but connect deeply with other students in your cohort and at your partner institutions. And trust us, you will share many new experiences while studying abroad. These are the kind of friendships that last a lifetime. 

3. You will gain a competitive edge.    

Ninety-seven percent of students who study abroad find employment within 12 months of graduation and 25 percent earn higher salaries than their peers. How’s that for standing out in today’s competitive job market?  

Bonus : You can even boost your resume by gaining real-world experience through a global internship ! We offer full- and part-time international internship opportunities across a wide variety of industries. So, if it’s a competitive edge you want, then a competitive edge is exactly what you’ll get. 

4. You will build your language skills.    

Whether your goal is to master a new language or just get by with a conversational understanding of the local language, studying abroad will help you do it. There is nothing quite like cultural immersion for optimal language learning.  

Do note , however, that most CIEE programs are delivered in English unless you’re in a language class or program for advanced speakers.  

5. You will step out of your comfort zone.    

Trying new things helps you learn how to adapt to new situations. A key life skill for our rapidly changing world.  

Just think, you will be working with new professors, new peers, a new currency, a new language, a new transit system, new food, and more – you get the idea. And just know, CIEE will be there to support you every step of the way, 24/7. Our program is a truly great way to safely take that leap of faith. 

6. You will be better for it.    

We hear it all the time : “study abroad changed my life.” And it’s so true. Studying abroad teaches you leadership, cross-cultural communication, adaptability, and so much more. Mark this down as a key advantage to studying abroad.  

The Cons  of Study Abroad

Charting new territory is not in everyone’s comfort zone. And studying abroad, for many students, is definitely classified as uncharted territory. We know the unknown can be intimidating, and we also know studying abroad comes with a bit of sacrifice.  

This is why we’re sharing some of the disadvantages of studying abroad. So you can make the most informed decision possible.  

The Main Disadvantages of Studying Abroad  

Here are the cons of studying abroad you should address when weighing your decision:  

1. Studying abroad can be expensive.    

It can be . But there are scholarships and grants available to help you make studying abroad a reality . Your college or university may offer their own scholarship and grant options. Others you can apply for at CIEE directly in your CIEE Study Abroad application . We offer millions each year for students with demonstrated financial need, proven academic merit, or who’ve enrolled in specific programs as well.  

On average, a semester with CIEE costs $18,861 . A little less when studying abroad in Latin America ($17,291) . A little more when heading to Europe ($19,968) .   

Our Open Campus Block program option, in which you can choose one, two, or three consecutive six-week study abroad sessions, costs about $18,750 but drops significantly to a little over $6,000 for students who choose to pursue only one block (6 weeks) or about $12,000 for two blocks (12 weeks).  

Bear in mind, too, that CIEE tuition provides a high level of student support. Not every program can say the same. Our program fee covers most of the essentials, outside of airfare and meals, and typically includes: 

• Tuition  
• Housing  
• Pre-departure advising  
• Orientation  
• On-site staff + 24/7 emergency on-site support  
• Cultural + co-curricular activities  
• Travel protection  

Read More: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad in 2023?  

2. There will be language barriers.   

Even for the most advanced speakers, immersion into a new culture will stretch your language capabilities. We see that as a really good thing. And we believe that if you go abroad with us, you will, too.  

But there’s no getting around the fact that there will be a steep language learning curve as you make your way through the program. We bet you’re up for the challenge. Plus, most of our classes are taught in English, so you will still make big gains academically. 

3. You may experience culture shock.   

The food will be different. The language will be different. The architecture will be different. The style of communication will be different. The local customs and social norms will be different, too. You will have to adjust. But isn’t that at least some of the point? You will return home with a new perspective! 

4. You might get homesick.  

Most of our students are traveling for the first time without their family or friends. And that’s a huge step.   

Just know that CIEE offers a ton of support, including around-the-clock on-site staff. So, we’re always available. Plus, you’ll have a cohort of new friends to keep you company when those homesick feeling begin creeping up.  

And remember , you can always call home when you need to hear a familiar voice. Our students love to FaceTime, Skype, Zoom, and so on to virtually connect with their loved ones whenever they want. 

5. Re-integration can be hard.    

This is an adjustment most students don’t anticipate.   

Often, when the study abroad experience is really great and there’s a ton of personal growth, students have a hard time adjusting back into their typical routine back home. You may experience this, too. It’s a sort of homesickness for the study abroad culture.  

Just know it will get better once you’ve had time to adjust to your routine again. And, for those who just can’t shake the feeling, there’s the opportunity to apply to join CIEE’s Student Ambassador Program to get paid to talk about your study abroad experience! 

Learn More: Become a CIEE Student Ambassador  

The Choice is Yours  

Thinking through the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad is an important first step in your study abroad experience. If you have any questions or want to talk through your personal list of studying abroad pros and cons, we ’re happy to connect .   

In the meantime, check out t he 170+ incredible programs we have to offer to begin planning your perfect study abroad experience! 

GET STARTED  

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Studying Abroad Vs. Studying In Your Home Country

Saumya singh       june 22, 2023, about this article.

Students from all over the world travel across countries, continents, and oceans to get the best education possible. But since when did attending an institution in another country become so famous? The reality is that studying abroad offers several wonderful perks, ranging from assisting us in finding a decent career to boosting our social life. Apart from making new worldwide acquaintances, we also learn more about ourselves by partaking in a new and interesting lifestyle. In this age of rapid globalisation, travelling around the world and seeing various cultures may help us understand our role in the world as individuals.

On one hand, we do have the advantage of being able to live and study in our own country without having to overcome language and cultural obstacles or leave our family and friends behind. On the other side, the possibility of obtaining a foreign degree, gaining international exposure, good research chances, and the related professional rewards are all riveting. It forces us out of our comfort zones from the minute we arrive!

Are there any cons of studying abroad? Perhaps there are. The most palpable factors, such as homesickness and expense, may have significant drawbacks. For some, the idea of leaving home and venturing into the unknown is terrifying, yet studying abroad can be an invigorating challenge that leads to better job options; it reflects a greater understanding of how the world works while simultaneously preparing us for an international working environment. Cultural shocks may both weaken and strengthen individuals. There may be circumstances that we have never encountered before that we must navigate. It's confusing and frightening, but also exhilarating. As a result, in today's globalized world, one may expect it to be more competitive. For most fresh students, the university experience is a steep learning curve in achieving true independence. But studying abroad takes this a step beyond, allowing students to grow as individuals.

There are several reasons why study abroad programs are becoming increasingly popular among students, even if their respective courses are available in their home nations. The major difference between studying abroad and studying in my own country is the sense of freedom. The attraction for most foreign students is likely to be a juxtaposition of obtaining a high-quality education (to study in a global hub for the chosen field), immersing themselves in a new culture, improving language skills, developing a global mentality, and extending potential career opportunities. Furthermore, long-term exposure to various cultures has been shown to help one think critically about oneself and one's native country, to accept differences, and to identify and appreciate variety.

Studying abroad allows you to broaden your horizons and comprehend and evaluate problems and phenomena from a longer-term, global perspective. Someone who can show on their CV that they studied abroad has a significant advantage when it comes to impressing prospective employers. On the simplest level, it will provide them with something to discuss in an interview. Knowledge of cross-cultural and social relations may be crucial to the project while working on any multi-cultural team. But, more significantly, it will demonstrate to future employers that they can adapt to various settings and that you are resourceful and decisive. Therefore, more students do look forward to studying popular courses abroad instead of studying in their home countries.

Studying in India vs Studying in the UK 

The professional benefits of studying in the UK include exposure to a global audience, access to cutting-edge research, acceptance into elite institutions, and more. India is a land of many religions and traditions, and it is also home to some of the world's finest educational institutions, including the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT), the All India Institutes of Medical Science (AIIMS), and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). Do you feel torn about where to enrol next year, 2022? If you're trying to decide between studying in the United Kingdom or India, here's a blog that compares the two countries and lays out all the information you need to make an informed decision.

UK vs India: At one look 

To help ambitious students weigh the pros and cons of studying in the United Kingdom versus India, we've compiled the following table.

Benefits of Studying in the UK  

Some students believe that remaining in their home country to complete their education is the most practical choice. But if you want to broaden the scope of your knowledge and gain recognition in different parts of the world, you have no choice but to consider the United Kingdom as the most desirable alternative:  

Education of a High Standard

Because it successfully combines a centuries-old educational system with cutting-edge instructional practises, the United Kingdom is an excellent choice for students coming from other countries. Their teaching staff has extensive experience as well as a high level of qualification. Universities in the United Kingdom engage students in learning through a variety of novel and imaginative approaches.  

Institutes That Have Received International Accreditation

The United Kingdom is home to a number of the world's most renowned educational institutions, including Oxford University, the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and a number of others. The United Kingdom is home to eight of the top 50 universities in the world and twenty-six of the top 200 universities in the world. Students from other countries all over the world who are enthusiastic about receiving an education of the highest possible quality are drawn to these incredibly prestigious educational institutions in large numbers.  

Flexible Course Durations

If you decide to pursue your education in the United Kingdom, you can take comfort in the fact that the classes there are both brief and adaptable, making it possible for you to finish your degree in a shorter amount of time without sacrificing your intellectual growth. Students in the United Kingdom receive an education that encourages them to think critically and take a more applied approach to their academic pursuits. The educational system in the United Kingdom is well-known for its adaptability, as it enables students to construct their own curricula based on the topics that most interest them.  

Employment Possibilities

In addition to your academic pursuits, you might consider getting a part-time job or participating in an internship to gain valuable experience that you can later highlight on your resume. The placement services offered by universities in the UK are available to students. You are now qualified to apply for the New Graduate Route Visa, which will allow you to remain in the UK after finishing your education for a period of up to two years.  

Advantages of Completing Your Education in India

Because India has a wide variety of opportunities available, the real question is "why wouldn't you study in India?" The nation is home to some of the world's most renowned educational institutions, including prestigious colleges and universities. While studying in India, both international and Indian students can look forward to an enriching experience that does not break the bank.

The Best Colleges According to Their Rankings

Higher education in India is well-known throughout the world, particularly in the fields of engineering, technology, medicine, and teaching. The nation is well-known for its commitment to the ongoing pursuit of excellence in international research and academic instruction. From Politics to Philosophy or Aviation to Economics, there is something to serve all different kinds of interests of students in India who are pursuing higher education in India. India is by no means limited to the fields of study that have been mentioned above.

A Higher Education System That Is the Second Largest in the World

The higher education sector in India is the second largest in the world after that of China. About 343 universities and 17,000 colleges are included in its scope. Greater diversity and better opportunities for academic and personal enrichment are direct results of the size of India's higher education system and its global network of students and faculty who are pursuing bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. India's higher education system encompasses all three levels of education: bachelor's, master's, and doctoral.

Large and Varied Selection of Courses

The higher education system in India is not only extensive in terms of the range of subjects it covers, but it is also very large. Due to the country's illustrious history and bright prospects for the future, it is able to provide a vast and varied selection of classes, ranging from the traditional to the cutting edge. In addition to having access to the most recent breakthroughs in science and technology, students also have the opportunity to study more conventional topics, such as Ayurveda, Sanskrit, Hindi, and various other regional and local languages.

Affordability

The low cost of education in India is a steal when compared to the fees charged by many of the most prestigious educational institutions in the world. In addition, there are a variety of scholarship opportunities, student loan options, and financing programs that can be utilized to offset the costs. In addition to this, the cost of living in India is not prohibitive for most people. According to Numbeo, the average monthly rent in the United Kingdom is 509% and in India, it is 456% higher than that.

Comparison of the Best Universities in the UK and India

Top educational institutions in the uk.

After going over the many advantages of obtaining your higher education in the United Kingdom, we will now examine the ranking of the best universities in that country for the academic year 2022–2023.

Leading Educational Institutions in India

Students from other countries are welcome to enroll in any one of India's many colleges or universities. In the comparison between the United Kingdom and India, the following is a list of the leading educational institutions in India that can be completed quickly.  

A Few Facts Regarding the Universities of the United Kingdom

The process of enrolling in a school in the UK is straightforward and can be finished in just a few easy steps. The first thing that needs to be done is to get registered at one of the many reputable universities that are located in the UK. Some of these universities are as follows:  

• Over two hundred different undergraduate and graduate degree programmes, including those in the fields of law, business, engineering, and the social sciences, are available to students at the University of Birmingham.  
• Education of the highest calibre is provided by the University of Bristol, which is comprised of seven faculties and more than fifty departments.  
• King's College London (KCL), which was founded in 1829 by King George IV, is currently regarded as one of the 20 best universities in all of Europe. Over seventy-five departments at King's College London cover a wide variety of fields of study, including the arts, medicine, and science.  

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings placed Durham University in fifth place among research-led institutions; additionally, all of the university's degree programmes received either a gold or silver rating under the new Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).  

Comparing the Cost of Studying in the United Kingdom and India

The cost of an advanced degree can range anywhere from 18,000 to 35,000 pounds sterling (18.06 lakhs to 35.13 lakhs Indian Rupees), depending on the college attended and the number of classes taken. For an extended period of time during the study, this would cost approximately £11,000 to £12,500 (or 11.04 lakhs to 12.54 lakhs Indian Rupees), taking into account the typical cost of essential items (i.e 9 months).

When compared to the United Kingdom, which is widely regarded as one of the world's most advanced educational systems, the cost of education in India is significantly more affordable, making it one less thing to worry about for prospective students.

Comparing the Most Popular Courses in the UK and India

In addition to having universities that are among the best in the world and an education system that is among the best in the world, both the United Kingdom and India have a wide variety of courses and subjects available for students to choose from. This is another reason why both countries are so popular among students from other countries.

Courses that are popular in the UK

The following are some of the top programmes in the United Kingdom that are chosen by the vast majority of students coming from other countries:  

• Business Studies
• Auditing and financial management
• Finance and law Economics and design
• The Study of Computers
• Engineering of a Mechanical Nature
• Biological Sciences
• Engineering of Electrical Circuits
• Politics  

Courses that are popular in India

The following is a list of some of the most popular courses offered in India:

• Management (MBA/BBA)
• The Sciences of Engineering and Designing Computers
• Journalism and other forms of mass communication
• Medicine Applied to Hospitality Management (MBBS, BDS)
• Economics Law and Studies in Sociology and Psychology
• Instruction and Education  

Are you having trouble deciding which path to take? Utilize our cutting-edge AI tool so that you can create a shortlist of the universities and programmes that are the most suitable for you based on your individual preferences and areas of interest. Connect with us right now!

Eligibility Requirements for the United Kingdom and India

The following topic on our blog comparing the United Kingdom and India is the eligibility criteria that prospective students must meet in order to be accepted into a higher education program in either of the two countries.

Criteria for Eligibility in the United Kingdom

If they want to study in the UK, students from other countries need to be aware of the essential requirements listed below:  

• Successful completion of all required coursework at the undergraduate or graduate level with an aggregate grade point average of at least 65% to 70%.
• a photocopy of a current and valid passport
• Scorecards from various English language tests such as the TOEFL, IELTS, C1 Advanced, and Duolingo. (Students may be exempt from this requirement at certain educational institutions if they fulfil the necessary criteria.)
• Tests like the GMAT and the GRE, as well as any other entrance exams for master's programmes
• Academic Transcripts
• Recommendation Letters (Letters of) (LOR)
• Portfolio (for specific courses) (for specific courses)
• A CV/Resume (if applicable)
• Purpose and Objectives Statement (SOP)  

The Requirements for Eligibility in India

Students from other countries who wish to enrol in one of India's universities or colleges are required to have completed the 10+2 education system and to have maintained an aggregate grade between 55 and 75 percent in their senior year subjects. It will be evaluated as if it were an application for direct enrollment in undergraduate classes. In other circumstances, some of the most prestigious public universities in the country may require you to have a score that is higher than 90%. Exams such as the Common Admission Test (CAT) for MBA, the National Eligibility and Eligibility Test (NEET) for MBBS, the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE), the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), the UPSC for IAS, and many more are popular in India.

 In addition to the educational credentials, let's take a look at the supporting documents, which are as follows:

• Valid for a minimum of six months passport.
• a letter of acceptance from the university
• A copy of the application form completed online
• Address of the permanent residence required as proof.
• photographs in the format of a passport
• A copy of the application form that was filled out online.  

Cost of Living : UK vs India

Students who are trying to decide between studying in the United Kingdom or India should be aware that the price of education varies greatly between the two countries. The tuition rates charged by educational institutions located outside of the United Kingdom are widely regarded as among the highest in the world. The cost of tuition for a master's degree can range anywhere from 18,000 to 35,000 British pounds (18.06 lakhs to 35.13 lakhs Indian rupees), depending on the university and the number of courses required. For one academic year of study, this would cost approximately £11,000–12,500 (INR 11.04 lakhs–INR 12.54 lakhs), taking into account the cost of living expenses (i.e 9 months).  When compared to the United Kingdom, which is widely regarded as one of the most successful educational systems in the world, the cost of education in India is significantly more affordable. According to a report by HSBC, the annual tuition fee at an Indian university is only about 40,000 to 50,000 Indian Rupees (INR). It is dependent on the kind of university being asked. Therefore, the annual tuition fees in India are not a significant barrier for students from other countries to overcome.

Comparing the Postgraduate Job Markets of the United Kingdom and India  

After completing your education at a higher level in the UK, you will have access to a wealth of different employment opportunities. In terms of employment opportunities, the United Kingdom is highly globalized. This includes fields such as accounting, engineering, healthcare, marketing, and law, amongst others. The New Graduate Route Visa is a brand-new employment authorization option that has recently been introduced by the Home Office of the United Kingdom (UK). This will give international students the opportunity to find work for two to three years after they have completed their Ph.D. programs. They are not required to make a certain minimum salary, and they are free to work in any recruitment industry.  

Despite the fact that India provides a wide range of programs in a variety of fields, a significant number of international students looking for employment opportunities in India both during and after their studies there. The Indian government does not permit students from other countries to hold jobs while they are enrolled in school there. However, international students have the opportunity to participate in internships and training courses. 

Opportunities for Post-Study Work in India vs. the UK

After completing your higher education, there are numerous job prospects available in the UK. For employment chances in industries like accountancy, engineering, healthcare, marketing, and law, among others, the UK is highly globalised. The New Graduate Route Visa is a new method of entering the country to work that has recently been developed by the UK home office. This will make it possible for international students to work for two to three years after completing their PhDs. They are not subject to any minimum wage rules and can work in any recruitment-related industry.  

Despite the fact that India has a wide range of programmes in numerous sectors, many foreign students look for jobs in India both during and after the programme. Foreign students are not permitted to work while studying in India by the government. International students may, however, enrol in training programmes and internships. International students might look into job options when the programme is over.

FAQs: 

Here are the answers to your most frequently asked questions!

You've arrived at this page because you're considering studying abroad. That's fantastic! We understand that this is a big step, and you'd like to have all of your questions answered before taking the plunge. Don't worry, our study abroad consultants have compiled a list of questions that you can ask.

Ques 1. What is the eligibility to study abroad? 

Ans. To begin studying as an international student, there are a range of entry requirements you may have to meet. The academic requirements (including evidence of English language skills) you need to study abroad will vary depending on the level of education you want to pursue. For instance, some courses will require you to have done a foundation course before applying for a degree. All universities and schools can have different entry requirements, so read the course information on their respective websites very carefully.

Ques 2. How much will it cost to study abroad?

• The costs associated with studying at a university or school abroad vary greatly. It depends on the nature of your chosen program, the length of your stay, the distance you travel and the kind of lifestyle you want when you get there.
• Be aware that some student visas require you to have a certain amount of funds available in your bank account when you arrive in your chosen country. It is best to speak to one of our counsellors.
• Many students choose to carry out some part-time work alongside their studies to support their living or socialising costs. However, there are restrictions on the hours you are allowed to work to ensure you don’t lose your academic focus. 

Ques 3. When should I start planning my study abroad procedure?

Ans. We recommend that you begin as soon as possible. This will allow you to reflect on your interests and conduct research in accordance with your personal and academic goals and aspirations. Location, course duration, costs, accommodation, and living conditions are some of the other factors to consider as you plan your programme. Begin planning at least a year or intake ahead of time. Of course, we are available to assist you throughout the process.

To help you plan, we've created a rough timeline for you to get started and live your study abroad dreams.

Ques 4. How long does the application process take?

Ans. We recommend you begin your application process at least a year in advance to give enough time for your applications to be processed and to prepare for your time overseas. Remember, the academic year begins at different times of the year in different countries.  Ques 5. What if one can’t afford to study overseas?

Ans. International students can apply for a variety of scholarships and bursaries to help them fund their studies. The amount and availability differ depending on the level of study and the institution. Because scholarships are competitive, you must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement to be awarded one. Scholarships and awards are also provided by governments and other organisations to assist international students in financing their studies. Speak with one of our study abroad consultants about the various scholarships that are available for your chosen course and university.

Ques 6. Can one work and study at the same time?

Ans. Working while studying can enhance your educational and living experiences while studying abroad. If you are studying for a degree or higher, you may be able to work while on an international student visa. But, before you start working for money, make sure your visa allows it. The ability of students to work part-time while studying varies from country to country. Many universities have a dedicated student job centre on campus that advertises job opportunities and internships to help students develop a variety of skills. A useful source of information is also the university's career service.

Ques 7. Do I need study abroad partners?

Ans. While you can apply directly to a university or college, you may prefer to use the expertise of an international education specialist (also known as a student counsellor) to guide you through the process of selecting the right university or college and enrolling. Using an accredited and trusted agent, such as zoom abroad, can help alleviate the stress of selecting a university in another country, applying, and preparing to leave.

This was all the information that aspirants needed to know about the match between the United Kingdom and India. It is now time for you to make a decision regarding which nation would be most suitable for you to initiate your higher education in 2023! If you are still a little uncertain about your choice, connect with our study abroad Zoom Abroad partners right away and they will guide you through the process of selecting the country, universities, and courses that are the most suitable for you!

Saumya Singh

Content Writer

Saumya is an enthusiastic reader with a keen inclination toward literature, academics, and marketing. Ideas, strategy, and impact are what keep her belief in marketing intact. Oh, and playing with content is her hobby.

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Essay on Living Abroad

Students are often asked to write an essay on Living Abroad in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Living Abroad

The adventure of living abroad.

Living abroad is like a thrilling adventure. It means moving out of your home country to another, experiencing a different culture, language, and lifestyle.

Learning New Cultures

When you live abroad, you get to learn about new cultures. You’ll eat different foods, celebrate unique festivals, and understand diverse traditions.

Language Skills

Living abroad can also help improve language skills. You’ll have the chance to learn and practice a new language every day.

Personal Growth

Lastly, living abroad can lead to personal growth. You’ll become more independent, adaptable, and open-minded. It’s a journey of self-discovery.

250 Words Essay on Living Abroad

The allure of living abroad.

Living abroad is an enticing prospect, a journey that promises growth and transformation. It’s an experience that can be simultaneously exhilarating and intimidating, offering the opportunity to explore unfamiliar cultures and environments.

Personal Growth and Cultural Exposure

Living abroad fosters personal growth in an unparalleled manner. It thrusts individuals out of their comfort zones, compelling them to adapt to different cultural norms and practices. This exposure to diversity can foster a more nuanced worldview, promoting empathy and understanding.

Academic and Professional Development

From an academic and professional perspective, living abroad can be a significant asset. It provides access to unique educational opportunities and can enhance one’s career prospects. Employers often value the adaptability, resilience, and cross-cultural communication skills that come from living abroad.

Challenges of Living Abroad

However, the experience is not without challenges. Homesickness, language barriers, and cultural misunderstandings can make the transition difficult. It’s crucial to approach these challenges with an open mind, viewing them as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles.

In conclusion, living abroad is a transformative experience that provides myriad opportunities for personal and professional development. Despite the challenges, the rewards are plentiful, making it a worthwhile endeavor for those seeking to broaden their horizons.

500 Words Essay on Living Abroad

Introduction: the allure of living abroad.

The prospect of living abroad often conjures up images of adventure, exploration, and personal growth. It offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in a new culture, language, and way of life. However, like any significant life decision, it comes with its share of challenges and rewards.

The Benefits of Living Abroad

Living abroad provides an unparalleled educational experience. It allows individuals to gain a broader perspective on the world, fostering a deeper understanding of global issues and diverse cultures. It is a chance to experience firsthand the customs, traditions, and social atmospheres of different nations.

Furthermore, living abroad can significantly enhance one’s language skills. While learning a new language in a classroom can be beneficial, nothing compares to the immersive experience of living in a place where that language is spoken.

Additionally, it offers an opportunity for personal growth. The challenges one faces while living abroad, such as navigating a new city or adapting to a different lifestyle, can build resilience and self-reliance. It also encourages the development of problem-solving skills, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity.

The Challenges of Living Abroad

Despite the numerous benefits, living abroad is not without its difficulties. One of the primary challenges is culture shock, the feeling of disorientation experienced by someone when they are suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture or way of life. It can be overwhelming to adapt to new social norms, customs, and languages.

Another challenge is homesickness. Being far away from family, friends, and familiar surroundings can be emotionally taxing. The difference in time zones can also make communication with loved ones challenging.

Financial concerns are another significant challenge. The cost of living, exchange rates, and finding employment can add stress to the experience.

Preparation: The Key to Successful Living Abroad

Preparation is crucial for a successful experience living abroad. This includes researching the destination’s culture, language, and customs, as well as practical aspects such as cost of living, healthcare, and local laws.

Building a support network is also vital. This could involve reaching out to expat communities, joining local clubs or organizations, or maintaining regular contact with friends and family back home.

Furthermore, setting realistic expectations is key. It’s important to remember that living abroad is not a perpetual vacation. There will be difficulties and mundane tasks, just like at home.

Conclusion: The Transformative Power of Living Abroad

Living abroad can be a transformative experience, offering opportunities for personal, academic, and professional growth. It provides a unique lens through which to view the world, fostering a deeper understanding of global diversity. Despite the challenges, the rewards of living abroad often outweigh the difficulties, making it a worthwhile endeavor for those willing to step outside their comfort zone and embrace the unknown.

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Who benefits most from studying abroad? A conceptual and empirical overview

• Open access
• Published: 09 November 2021
• Volume 82 , pages 1049–1069, ( 2021 )

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• Nicolai Netz   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-7272-3502 1  

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This editorial to the special issue on heterogeneous effects of studying abroad starts with a review of studies on the determinants and individual-level effects of studying abroad. On that basis, it illustrates the necessity to place more emphasis on effect heterogeneity in research on international student mobility. It then develops a typology of heterogeneous effects of studying abroad, which shall function as an agenda for future research in the field. Thereafter, the editorial introduces the contributions to the special issue. It concludes by summarising major findings and directions for future research.

Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.

Rationale of the special issue

In the last decades, the facilitation of international student mobility (ISM) has been a key action line of European higher education policy (Ferencz & Wächter, 2012 ). Since the 1950s, ISM has been promoted as a means to generate societal benefits through knowledge exchange, social cohesion, and economic prosperity (Baron, 1993 ). Since the 2009 Leuven Conference of the European ministers responsible for higher education, policy-makers have additionally emphasised the individual benefits of studying abroad for the mobile students (Ministerial Conference, 2009 , 2012 ). Footnote 1

Along with this development, both policy-makers and scholars have become increasingly interested in who gets access to the benefits of studying abroad. From a variety of disciplinary perspectives—including psychology, educational sciences, economics, and sociology—it matters which factors influence access to studying abroad, and how studying abroad affects individual life courses. In recent years, research has made great progress in answering these questions.

On the one hand, various studies have enhanced our understanding of the factors that influence study abroad participation. These studies have shown, for instance, that the likelihood of studying abroad depends on students’ personality traits (e.g. Bakalis & Joiner, 2004 ; Zimmermann & Neyer, 2013 ), beliefs, attitudes, norms, and corresponding benefit expectations (e.g. Petzold & Moog, 2018 ; Presley et al., 2010 ; Sánchez et al., 2006 ; Schnusenberg et al., 2012 ), socio-demographic features (for an overview, see Netz et al., 2020 ), such as their gender (e.g. Böttcher et al., 2016 ; Cordua & Netz, 2021 ; Salisbury et al., 2010 ; Van Mol, 2021 ), age (e.g. Messer & Wolter, 2007 ; Netz, 2015 ), ethnicity (e.g. Netz & Sarcletti, 2021 ; Pungas et al., 2015 ; Simon & Ainsworth, 2012 ), and social origin (e.g. Di Pietro, 2020 ; Lingo, 2019 ; Netz & Finger, 2016 ; Waters & Brooks, 2010 ), previous experience with spatial mobility (e.g. Carlson, 2013 ; Lörz et al., 2016 ), academic performance in school and higher education (e.g. Favero & Fucci, 2017 ; Wiers-Jenssen, 2011 ; Wiers-Jenssen & Try, 2005 ), and literacy, numeracy, technical, and foreign language skills (e.g. Di Pietro & Page, 2008 ; Kommers, 2020 ). Furthermore, various contextual factors shape students’ opportunities to study abroad. These factors include the attitudes, expectations, and resources of students’ parents (e.g. Bodycott, 2009 ; Brux & Fry, 2010 ; Hurst, 2019 ; Pimpa, 2003 ) and peers (e.g. Brooks & Waters, 2010 ; Van Mol & Timmerman, 2014 ), the support of faculty members (e.g. Paus & Robinson, 2008 ), students’ field of study (e.g. Iriondo, 2020 ; Schmidt & Pardo, 2017 ; Schnepf & Colagrossi, 2020 ), the design of study programmes (e.g. Perna et al., 2015 ), the availability of institutional or state funding (e.g. Kramer & Wu, 2021 ; Whatley, 2017 ), the economic wealth of countries, and the quality of national higher education systems (e.g. Beine et al., 2014 ; Rodríguez et al., 2011 ; Vögtle & Windzio, 2016 ).

On the other hand, impact evaluations have shown that studying abroad can influence various domains of students’ life courses. For instance, they have illustrated that studying abroad can affect students’ personality development (e.g. Niehoff et al., 2017 ; Richter et al., 2021 ; Zimmermann et al., 2021 ), identity (e.g. King & Ruiz-Gelices, 2003 ; Sigalas, 2010 ; Van Mol, 2013 ), language proficiency (e.g. Brecht et al., 1993 ; Jackson et al., 2020 ; Magnan & Back, 2007 ), multi- or intercultural sensitivity and competences (e.g. Anderson et al., 2006 ; Clarke et al., 2009 ; Williams, 2005 ; Wolff & Borzikowsky, 2018 ), self-efficacy (e.g. Milstein, 2005 ; Nguyen et al., 2018 ; Petersdotter et al., 2017 ), and academic development and achievement (e.g. Cardwell, 2020 ; McKeown et al., 2020 ; Nerlich, 2021 ; Whatley & Canché, 2021 ). In recent years, in particular, various studies have also examined the effects of studying abroad on graduates’ labour market outcomes (for an overview, see Netz & Cordua, 2021 ; Roy et al., 2019 ; Waibel et al., 2017 ; Wiers-Jenssen et al., 2020 ). Among other things, scholars have assessed the effects of studying abroad on the job search duration and the likelihood of employment (e.g. Di Pietro, 2015 ; Liwiński, 2019a ; Petzold, 2017a ), skills mismatch (e.g. Wiers-Jenssen & Try, 2005 ), involvement in international job tasks (e.g. Teichler, 2011 ; Wiers-Jenssen, 2008 ), international labour market migration (e.g. Di Pietro, 2012 ; Parey & Waldinger, 2011 ), the occupational status (e.g. Waibel et al., 2018 ), and wages (e.g. Jacob et al., 2019 ; Kratz & Netz, 2018 ).

This short literature review illustrates that existing research already provides a comprehensive overview of the determinants and individual-level effects of studying abroad. Yet, it has not sufficiently acknowledged a simple possibility: It is unlikely that all individuals benefit from studying abroad to the same extent. While several studies have performed sensitivity analyses to ensure the robustness of their results across groups of students, educational, employment, and living contexts, as well as types of stays abroad, only a few studies have explicitly focused on heterogeneity in the effects of studying abroad. Mostly, existing studies have concentrated on quantifying an average effect for all individuals in their respective population sample (as becomes evident in several literature reviews: Netz & Cordua, 2021 ; Roy et al., 2019 ; Waibel et al., 2017 ).

However, shifting the focus on effect heterogeneity is beneficial for various reasons—which is already widely acknowledged in the broader literature on returns to higher education (for examples, see Bauldry, 2014 ; Brand & Xie, 2010 ; Triventi, 2013 ; Walker, 2020 ). As the next section demonstrates, this focus is often a prerequisite for adequately testing specific theoretical assumptions. For instance, assumptions about group differences in individual behaviour and in the returns to education are at the heart of theoretical models deriving from social stratification research.

Explicitly modelling effect heterogeneity can also be imperative methodologically (Breen et al., 2015 ; Elwert & Winship, 2010 ). Especially when examining diverse samples of students, the proper specification of an effect of studying abroad usually requires scholars to capture differential selection, that is, individual or group-specific patterns of study abroad participation. Additionally, they need to capture the variables or types of stays abroad across which effects are assumed to exhibit the most substantial variation. In cases where the true effects of studying abroad are likely to differ notably across individuals, groups, or types of stays abroad, one may also question the validity of average effects for entire population samples and of broad summary measures of ISM. Hence, it is both theoretically and methodologically useful to address the question of who benefits most from studying abroad.

Last but not least, answering this question is crucial from a policy perspective. Not only does this create the basis for assessing the political promise that studying abroad yields individual benefits. It also helps answer the question of whether—or rather under which circumstances—the often costly ISM policies pay off. More knowledge about group-specific patterns of selection into ISM could help policy-makers reduce crowding-out effects. More knowledge about heterogeneous returns could ease targeted student support and compensatory measures. Such interventions could increase the efficiency of policy interventions and counteract the often-observed generation of social inequalities in the context of ISM.

Heterogeneous effects of studying abroad: a typology for future research

Following the methodological literature in the social sciences (e.g. Breen et al., 2015 ; Carneiro et al., 2011 ; Elwert & Winship, 2010 ; Xie et al., 2012 ), we can conceptually distinguish different types of effect heterogeneity. In a first step, we can differentiate between heterogeneous treatment effects and treatment heterogeneity. A heterogeneous treatment effect arises if the outcome of a specific treatment—that is, an intervention or social phenomenon of interest—varies depending on the values of a third, moderating variable. In contrast, treatment heterogeneity describes the case that different treatments are under examination.

In research on the outcomes of studying abroad, it is difficult to neatly separate these two types of effect heterogeneity. Because two individuals are unlikely to complete the exact same type of stay abroad in practice, examining heterogeneous treatment effects will usually capture some degree of treatment heterogeneity—which is a problem that might generally not be considered enough in research on the outcomes of social phenomena. Still, applying the insights of the mentioned methodological literature and of different disciplinary approaches enables the development of an entire agenda for future research in the field (see Fig. 1 ). Footnote 2

A typology of heterogeneous effects of studying abroad

To begin with, the effect of studying abroad may be heterogeneous across individuals and groups. First of all, the pre-sojourn values on a dependent variable shape students’ potential to benefit from studying abroad. This perspective is particularly relevant for psychologists and educational scientists, who frequently capture their outcomes of interest using Likert scales. For instance, a very high pre-sojourn conscientiousness naturally limits students to indicate further personality development through studying abroad on a 5-point scale (Niehoff et al., 2017 ). Vice versa, this does not always imply that students with the lowest pre-sojourn values benefit most from studying abroad. With regard to language acquisition, for example, the potential to benefit from studying abroad seems to be limited for students who lack a linguistic basis to build upon (Magnan & Back, 2007 ). Thus, students with intermediate values on the examined dependent variables might in many respects be in a good position to benefit from studying abroad.

Relatedly, individuals’ alternative or complementary skills and signals may govern their potential to benefit from studying abroad. For instance, studying abroad could be less beneficial for students who have previously received similar treatments, such as international experience during school or higher education, or home-country experience with foreign cultures (Nguyen et al., 2018 ). In such cases, the marginal utility of additional international mobility could be decreasing. It is equally possible that sojourns abroad after graduation eclipse the signalling value of study-related stays abroad. Study abroad experience might also substitute other skills or signals. For example, students conveying negative signals, such as poor grades, might compensate their disadvantage through study abroad experience, and thus benefit more from studying abroad than students with good grades. This hypothesis, however, is not supported by initial evidence (Petzold, 2017b ). Theoretically, study abroad experience might also reinforce the signalling value of other personal features, and vice versa.

The effects of studying abroad may also vary depending on the likelihood of studying abroad. As the literature on economic returns to studying (abroad) illustrates, there are conflicting hypotheses in this regard: From a classical economic standpoint, the rationally acting and utility-maximising homo oeconomicus should invest in those educational options that are most likely to increase lifetime earnings. Therefore, those individuals who are most likely to study (abroad) should also benefit most from it (Willis & Rosen, 1979 ). In contrast, the sociological perspective highlights that social norms and opportunity structures influence the likelihood of studying (abroad) as much as rational cost-benefit considerations do (Brand & Xie, 2010 ). Moreover, contrary to individuals with a low likelihood of studying (abroad), individuals with a high likelihood of studying (abroad) might have good job prospects even if they do not study (abroad). In support of the sociological perspective, existing evidence suggests that students with a lower propensity to study abroad are more likely to benefit from it regarding their job prospects (Waibel et al., 2018 , 2020 ).

From a classical sociological standpoint, it is also relevant to explicitly analyse differences in the effect of studying abroad depending on students’ adherence to specific socio-demographic groups, as defined by ascribed characteristics such as their gender, migration background, and social origin. As shall be illustrated regarding social origin, this social stratification perspective also allows for competing scenarios: On the one hand, students from a high social origin could benefit more from studying abroad. They tend to be better equipped with material and cultural resources allowing them to profit from education (Savage & Egerton, 1997 ). Moreover, their habitus and capital endowments may allow them to better valorise their experiences and credentials in the labour market (Laurison & Friedman, 2016 ). On the other hand, students from a low social origin could benefit more. Considering that they are less likely to gain the skills and signals acquirable through studying abroad during their earlier life course, studying abroad could induce a compensatory levelling process (Schafer et al., 2013 ). Furthermore, students from a low social origin may be positively selected in terms of motivation and productivity characteristics, which could positively influence their likelihood of studying abroad and their later potential to capitalise on it. As they usually have to overcome higher financial and social burdens, they might solely decide to study abroad if they are strongly convinced of reaping its benefits (Waibel et al., 2020 ). Footnote 3

The effects of studying abroad are also likely to be context-specific. This means that stays abroad tend to result in different outcomes depending on the surroundings in which individuals live, study, or work. For example, the value of stays abroad will likely vary depending on students’ field of study (Nerlich, 2021 ). Studying abroad may be more relevant for academic development in modern languages and cultural sciences than, for instance, in chemistry. Its value may even vary depending on specific curricula within fields of study.

There is further reason to assume that graduates’ working contexts moderate the effects of studying abroad. The employment sector may moderate the effects of studying abroad in that private companies tend to remunerate study abroad experience more than public authorities (Wiers-Jenssen, 2011 ). Public-sector wage schemes are usually more rigid and can less flexibly reward additional assets such as study abroad experience. Its value may also vary across labour market segments: The value of study abroad experience may be higher in vocationally unspecific segments, in which graduates of fields such as the humanities, social sciences, and economics tend to work, than in vocationally specific segments, in which graduates of fields such as medicine and teaching tend to work (Kratz & Netz, 2018 ; Waibel et al., 2018 ). The reason could be that the rules of career success are more strictly regulated in vocationally specific segments, so that add-on signals are less valuable. Moreover, study abroad experience seems to pay off particularly when graduates work for multinational employers (Petzold, 2017a ; Wiers-Jenssen & Try, 2005 ). Eventually, the value of study abroad experience may largely depend on the working tasks that graduates complete on a daily basis.

The effects of studying abroad may further vary across the country of study, work, and living. To some extent, national differences regarding the already discussed features of study environments and working contexts may explain cross-country variation. Beyond that, there may be differences in the extent to which national higher education systems reward study abroad experience. So far, however, most internationally comparative studies have focused on differences in the labour market effects of studying abroad depending on the structure of national economies. These studies suggest that labour market returns to studying abroad tend to be highest in Southern and Eastern European countries, moderate in Central European countries, and smallest or even non-existent in Northern European countries (Humburg & van der Velden, 2015 ; Jacob et al., 2019 ; Rodrigues, 2013 ; Teichler, 2011 ; Van Mol, 2017 ). Adding to country-specific explanations (e.g. Van Mol, 2017 ), Jacob et al. ( 2019 ) suggest that “returns to international study experience in terms of hourly wage and class position [are] larger in countries with poorer university quality, lower international trade volume, higher graduate unemployment, and with relatively few students going abroad” (p. 500). Footnote 4

Besides structural features of higher education systems and economies, national policies may influence the effects of studying abroad, e.g. through programmes trying to attract internationally experienced graduates. Furthermore, various cultural idiosyncrasies—as defined e.g. by the national social system, prevalent religion and gender roles, openness to foreigners, degree of urbanisation, and official language(s)—might moderate the effects of studying abroad. In these respects, internationally comparative research is still in its infancy.

Regarding treatment heterogeneity, various facets of stays abroad are relevant from both theoretical and policy perspectives. The first facet is the duration of the stay abroad. Arguably, effects of studying abroad are—on average—less likely to manifest following very short stays of just a few days or weeks than following longer stays of several months or years (Dwyer, 2004 ). Some authors presume that the effect of studying abroad rises linearly with the time spent abroad. For example, Medina-López-Portillo ( 2004 ) “suggests that the longer the program, the more interculturally sensitive students are likely to become” (p. 185). It is equally possible that the learning curve and thus the marginal utility decrease with the time spent abroad, so that the relationship would follow a logarithmic pattern. Some evidence on the labour market effects of studying abroad is even in line with an inverted U-shape pattern, suggesting that the signalling value of stays abroad may first increase but then decrease again with rising duration. For instance, Rodrigues ( 2013 ) reports that studying abroad for three to 12 months yields a moderate wage premium, while studying abroad for less than three or more than 12 months yields no significant wage returns. Yet other studies report no effect heterogeneity depending on the time spent abroad. For instance, Schmidt and Pardo ( 2017 ) find no significant differences in the wage effects of 3-to-4 weeks as opposed to full-terms abroad.

The duration closely relates to the purpose of a stay abroad, which emphasises its function for competence development. For example, entire degrees and study periods abroad are likely to foster academic and generic intercultural skills, internships should help students acquire human capital that is particularly relevant professionally, and language courses may be most effective in improving language proficiency. Research comparing the effects of study periods and internships abroad concludes that internships abroad pay off slightly more in the labour market (Kratz & Netz, 2018 ; Van Mol, 2017 ). Footnote 5 A specific discussion revolves around the question of whether studying abroad entirely or partly is most beneficial. Evidence from Norway suggests that wage returns are higher for entire degrees than for study periods completed abroad (Wiers-Jenssen, 2011 ; Wiers-Jenssen & Try, 2005 ). In contrast, evidence from several (other) European countries suggests that employers prefer graduates who partly studied abroad over those who entirely studied abroad (Humburg & van der Velden, 2015 ). Ultimately, the extent to which graduates need general and country-specific human capital for their daily working life will be decisive in this respect.

An even more explicit focus on students’ actual activities is beneficial as well. Not least due to lacking standard criteria for evaluating the quality of stays abroad and of corresponding data, (quantitative) scholars have so far mostly treated stays abroad as black boxes concerning students’ activities. Logically, the quality of the coursework or work assignments matters. High-quality courses and ambitious assignments will likely influence the development of academic and professional skills more positively than sojourns that largely resemble touristic stays. Besides academic and professional activities, extracurricular activities may have a substantial bearing on the outcomes of studying abroad (Gozik & Oguro, 2020 ). In academic, professional, and extracurricular terms, students’ social contacts and the degree of immersion in their host culture also seem to play a vital role. For instance, establishing new relationships abroad is an essential catalyst for the positive effects of studying abroad on personality development (Zimmermann & Neyer, 2013 ). Similarly, intense interaction with host-country nationals is particularly important for improving oral foreign language proficiency (Engle & Engle, 2004 ; Jackson et al., 2020 ; Magnan & Back, 2007 ).

In this respect, the organisation of stays abroad comes into play. For instance, students’ housing arrangement—that is, whether they live in a host family, student residence, or off-campus apartment either with co-nationals, other non-nationals, host-country nationals, mixed groups, or alone—has received considerable attention in the study abroad literature. Regarding gains in language proficiency and other intercultural skills, however, the housing arrangement alone does not seem to be very predictive (Gozik & Oguro, 2020 ; Jackson et al., 2020 ). Rather, the previously discussed activities seem to matter. Moreover, a solid but not excessive level of student support, including pre-sojourn administrative and academic preparation, organisational support in the host country, post-sojourn follow-up reflection, and credit recognition can help students reap the benefits of studying abroad (Gozik & Oguro, 2020 ; Norris & Dwyer, 2005 ). Participation in specific study abroad programmes, as opposed to self-organised stays, may also influence the outcomes of studying abroad. Different programmes and self-organised stays abroad could either reflect the previously discussed types of treatment heterogeneity or have an unequal signalling value due to more or less restrictive or non-existent eligibility criteria. Footnote 6

The effects of studying abroad will arguably also depend on the host institution. Host universities and employers offering high-quality education, support, or working conditions should bring about better outcomes than institutions offering poor opportunity structures. In line with this view, there is evidence that European employers regard the prestige of graduates’ (host) universities during hiring processes as a signal of graduates’ level of skill acquisition (Humburg & van der Velden, 2015 ).

If employers cannot appraise the quality of graduates’ host institution, they may also draw on their own assumptions or factual information about the host country. For instance, stays in countries with effective higher education systems may signal high-quality learning experiences. Stays in countries with prosperous economies may signal the acquisition of professionally relevant skills. And stays in culturally exclusive countries may enable social distinction. Although only loosely linked to these theoretical thoughts, there is initial evidence on the labour market effects of sojourning in specific host countries: Examining graduates from institutions in Spain, Iriondo ( 2020 ) reports that wage returns to participation in the Erasmus programme are highest for stays in Germany, followed by stays in France, the Nordic countries, and the UK. Stays in countries such as Italy and Portugal do not seem to yield significant wage returns. Concentrating on returns to language acquisition rather than stays in specific host countries, Sorrenti ( 2017 ) reports that proficiency in German yields the highest wage returns for graduates from Italy, followed by proficiency in English, French, and Spanish. While there is some overlap between these findings, they also suggest that the value of stays in specific countries varies depending on graduates’ home country—and arguably also depending on various other factors, including the specific career that graduates intend to pursue.

Finally, temporality matters for analysing the outcomes of studying abroad. Methodologically, it is useful to differentiate age, period, and cohort effects (Winship & Harding, 2008 ). Age effects could result from the timing at which a stay abroad is completed. For instance, a stay abroad close to graduation might have stronger effects on the likelihood of employment than a stay abroad shortly after entering higher education. The former could help students broaden their professional networks and gain valuable information for their upcoming job search. In turn, an early stay abroad might have more substantial effects on academic development. Moreover, what matters is the point in graduates’ careers when we measure the outcomes of studying abroad. Existing evidence suggests that specific labour market effects of studying abroad may take several years to unfold (Netz & Cordua, 2021 ). A reason could be that the competences acquired through studying abroad cannot be applied immediately in many labour market entry positions.

Period effects would find their expression in a changing value of study abroad experience over time. Teichler and Janson ( 2007 ) suggest that the self-perceived professional value of Erasmus study abroad experience may have decreased between the late 1980s and 2005 with the increasing share of students studying abroad. While the scarcity value of study abroad experience has certainly decreased, it is equally possible that the skills acquired through studying abroad have become more relevant in continuously globalising labour markets.

Cohort effects are characterised by common events experienced by specific groups. For instance, the 2020 and 2021 graduation cohorts may not have been able to readily capitalise on possible study abroad experience because of hiring freezes and limited international cooperation in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This may translate to long-term disadvantages (scarring effects) for these cohorts.

As already indicated, different types of effect heterogeneity may interact—or rather define an outcome in conjunction. For instance, we might observe different effects of studying abroad across social groups partly because different groups are more or less likely to work in specific labour market segments, where study abroad experience is either more or less remunerated. This pattern could also result from different social groups completing different stays abroad. Whether different study abroad treatments produce divergent effects may depend on the country of work/living. Finally, as time and space features are not separable, the discussed age, period, and cohort effects will always be defined by individual or group-specific effects, context-specific effects, and treatment heterogeneity. Clearly, it is difficult to empirically disentangle different types of effect heterogeneity using currently available data and methods. Still, their conceptual differentiation is vital for appropriate hypothesis testing and for pinpointing effective policy recommendations.

Articles of the special issue

The articles of this special issue engage with the developed research agenda. In doing so, they each contribute a unique analytical perspective by accentuating specific disciplinary angles, corresponding theoretical and methodological approaches, country contexts, outcomes of studying abroad, and types of effect heterogeneity.

The articles have their roots in psychology, economics, and sociology. Relatedly, they use diverse theoretical approaches (theories of personality traits, experiential learning, rational choice, human capital, signalling, statistical discrimination, social capital, and social stratification) and statistical methods (linear and multinomial logistic regressions, latent change models, multilevel models, growth curve models, and propensity score matching). They cover Anglo-Saxon, Continental and Southern European, and Scandinavian countries (UK, Germany, The Netherlands, Italy, and Norway). They focus on different outcomes of studying abroad (multicultural self-efficacy, metacognitive intercultural competence, intergroup anxiety, uptake of postgraduate education, job search duration, likelihood of employment, skills mismatch, and labour income). Thereby, they also explore the effects of studying abroad in different life course stages (during studies, the transition from higher education to work, and the early professional career). Finally, they consider a variety of the above-mentioned types of effect heterogeneity. These include individual or group-specific effects (contingent on pre-mobility values of specific dependent variables, alternative skills and signals, the likelihood of studying abroad, and the adherence to specific socio-demographic groups), context-specific effects (as defined by the study environment, working context, and country of work), treatment heterogeneity (depending on the purpose, organisation, and host country of stays abroad), and aspects of temporality (point during studies when a stay abroad was completed, point in career when its effect was measured, and graduation year).

The articles also have commonalities: In response to repeated calls for better approximations of causal effects of studying (e.g. Netz & Cordua, 2021 ; Waibel et al., 2017 ; Wiers-Jenssen et al., 2020 ), all articles employ statistical techniques that can reduce the bias resulting from the selective participation in ISM. Thereby, they also contribute to integrating the still often disconnected research streams on the determinants and on the effects of studying abroad. Moreover, they either use large-scale and mostly nationally representative observational data or experimental data to ensure the validity of the generated results. Some studies examine the same countries, types of stays abroad, outcomes, or types of effect heterogeneity. This allows for rough comparisons of their results.

In the first article, Julia Zimmermann , Henriette Greischel , and Kathrin Jonkmann ( 2020 ) examine the influence of studying abroad on different facets of multicultural effectiveness. Based on psychological theories of personality traits and experiential learning, they reason that studying abroad should increase multicultural self-efficacy as well as metacognitive intercultural competence and decrease intergroup anxiety. They also assume that these effects vary depending on selected socio-demographic characteristics and students’ previous international mobility. They test their hypotheses based on a countrywide purposive sample of students at higher education institutions in Germany, whom they surveyed three times during their studies. Using latent change models, they find evidence supporting their theoretical assumptions: Studying abroad slightly increases self-perceived multicultural self-efficacy and metacognitive intercultural competence. Moreover, it slightly lowers intergroup anxiety. Importantly, these developmental patterns do not vary depending on students’ socio-demographics—as defined by their gender, age, migration background, and parents’ professional qualification. However, students benefit most from studying abroad regarding the development of multicultural effectiveness when they are internationally mobile for the first time.

In the second article, Knut Petzold ( 2020 ) addresses the relevance of study abroad experience during hiring processes. Following economic theories of human capital, job market signalling, and statistical discrimination, he examines how the importance that human resource managers attach to studying abroad varies depending on the purpose and timing of stays abroad, graduates’ socio-demographic features, their other human capital characteristics, and the (inter)national orientation of employers. He bases his analysis on a factorial survey experiment administered to a purposive sample of German employers. Estimating multilevel models, he finds suggestive evidence that employers consider internships the most valuable (arguably because they generate the most specific human capital), followed by study periods and non-educational private stays abroad. Graduates with a migration background benefit less from study periods and private stays abroad than graduates without such a background, possibly because a migration background already signals transnational human capital. Also, Master graduates benefit less from study periods and internships abroad because they may already have more general and specific human capital than Bachelor graduates. Finally, employers value study abroad experience (insignificantly) more if they have a foreign branch, which could indicate a relatively higher value of transnational human capital for multinational employers.

In the third article, Jannecke Wiers-Jenssen and Liv Anne Støren ( 2020 ) explore whether studying abroad affects the risk of unemployment and skills mismatch about six months after graduation. Following theories of human capital and signalling, they hypothesise that this risk differs depending on graduates’ socio-demographics and working context. They test their hypotheses based on data from the Norwegian graduate survey. These data cover six graduation cohorts, who completed their studies between 2007 and 2017. Their multinomial logistic regressions show that most differentiated graduate groups do not differ significantly in their risk of unemployment and skills mismatch depending on whether they have studied abroad. However, they find that studying abroad reduces this risk among graduates of business and administration, who tend to work in the private sector. They conclude that their results contradict the hypothesis that study abroad experience pays off mainly among graduates of vocationally unspecific fields. Furthermore, they find that studying abroad reduces the risk of unemployment and skills mismatch particularly among graduates with high intake grades. They do not observe effect heterogeneity depending on the social origin or migration background. Therefore, they conclude that their results also contradict the hypothesis that those less likely to study abroad profit more from it.

In the fourth article, Christof Van Mol , Kim Caarls , and Manuel Souto-Otero ( 2020 ) assess the effect of studying abroad on the duration of the transition from higher education to work and on the monthly wage at 1.5 years after graduation. Starting from theoretical thoughts on human capital, signalling, and international prestige hierarchies of higher education systems and labour markets, they look at effect heterogeneity depending on the study level (Bachelor vs. Master), purpose of a stay abroad (study period vs. internship vs. both), and educational and economic features of students’ host countries. They test their hypotheses based on nationally representative graduate survey data from the Netherlands. Using linear regressions, they observe that the examined labour market effects of studying abroad vary slightly across study levels, purposes of stays abroad, and host countries. Against expectations, however, the observed effects and corresponding heterogeneity largely disappear after stricter controls for selection effects through propensity score matching. Also contrary to expectations, sojourns in countries with well-performing higher education systems come along with a longer duration of job search, possibly because students staying in such countries take more time to find jobs matching their high aspirations. Overall, the authors conclude that the well-performing higher education system and labour market in the Netherlands restrict graduates’ potential to further improve their labour market prospects through studying abroad.

In the fifth article, Béatrice d’Hombres and Sylke Schnepf ( 2021 ) examine the effect of studying abroad on the likelihood of postgraduate education and of employment in the first years after graduation. Referring to human capital, signalling, and social capital theories, they compare these labour market effects of studying abroad across countries and socio-economic groups. They draw on large-scale graduate survey data from Italy and the UK to test their hypotheses. In line with theory, their matching analyses indicate that studying abroad correlates with a greater likelihood of postgraduate education among graduates in Italy. They do not observe this link among graduates in the UK. The effect of studying abroad on the likelihood of employment is significantly positive both one and four years after graduation in Italy. In the UK, it is significantly positive six months after graduation and insignificant three years after graduation. Thus, the examined labour market returns to studying abroad are higher in Italy than in the UK. Against expectations, the effects of studying abroad on the likelihood of employment do not differ significantly across socio-economic groups. However, the effect of studying abroad on the likelihood of postgraduate education is larger among graduates from a low socio-economic background than among those with a high socio-economic background in Italy.

In the last article, Nicolai Netz and Michael Grüttner ( 2020 ) provide a sociological analysis of the relationship between studying abroad and the generation of social inequality. Drawing on social stratification theory, they argue that a scenario in which ISM increases social inequality (because graduates from an academic background benefit from cumulative advantages) is as plausible as a scenario in which ISM decreases social inequality (because graduates from a non-academic background benefit from compensatory levelling). Following these thoughts, they test whether the effect of studying abroad on labour income varies across social groups in the German labour market. Their study is based on nationally representative survey data capturing the first ten years of graduates’ careers, which they analyse using propensity score matching and random effects growth curve models. In line with the scenario of cumulative advantage, their results suggest that graduates from an academic background benefit more from studying abroad than graduates from a non-academic background. Considering that students from an academic background are also more likely to study abroad in the first place, they conclude that ISM fosters the reproduction of social inequality. They also find that the estimated returns to studying abroad are highest among those with the lowest propensity to study abroad. However, this pattern seems to be driven by the results for graduates from an academic background.

Taken together, the articles of the special issue provide a comprehensive answer to the question of who benefits most from studying abroad. At the same time, they clearly indicate a need for further research. Some major findings and directions for future research are highlighted in the concluding section.

Summary and conclusions

It is beyond the scope of this editorial to comprehensively summarise the wealth of empirical evidence that the articles of the special issue provide. However, the following lines highlight a few overarching themes.

To begin with, all contributions to the special issue illustrate that studying abroad has only moderate effects on the examined outcomes—if compared to other critical life events, skills, and signals. They equally demonstrate that the benefits of studying abroad are often confined to specific groups of students and graduates, contexts, and types of stays abroad. Consequently, they justify the initial claim that research on ISM should devote more attention to effect heterogeneity.

Additionally, the articles highlight the importance of adopting a life course perspective. This perspective does not only help scholars trace group-specific patterns of selection into study abroad experience. It also emphasises that specific groups of students may build up cumulative advantages or disadvantages over their life course due to (even minor) heterogeneous effects of studying abroad (Zimmermann et al., 2020 ). The life course perspective also stresses the importance of other aspects of temporality: Although further research is needed in this respect, there is evidence that the timing of a stay abroad matters (Petzold, 2020 ; Van Mol et al., 2020 ). Moreover, the effect of studying abroad seems to vary over graduates’ careers: Country differences notwithstanding, the labour market effects of studying abroad—especially with regard to labour income—seem to be more pronounced a few years after graduation than shortly thereafter (d’Hombres & Schnepf, 2021 ; Netz & Grüttner, 2020 ; Van Mol et al., 2020 ; Wiers-Jenssen & Støren, 2020 ).

Furthermore, the contributions to the special issue have produced evidence of diminishing marginal returns of gaining additional international experience. For instance, gains in multicultural effectiveness are particularly notable among students without previous sojourns abroad (Zimmermann et al., 2020 ). Also, graduates who can signal transnational human capital in other ways are less likely to benefit from studying abroad in terms of their probability of being hired (Petzold, 2020 ).

To further advance our knowledge on (heterogeneous) effects of studying abroad, we need panel data covering longer time frames. These data should ideally describe individuals’ life courses starting at early ages and throughout their entire educational and professional career. Such data would not only allow us to answer questions that are inherently longitudinal in nature, but also to integrate ISM research rooted in different disciplines and research communities. This would enable a shift from multidisciplinary to interdisciplinary research on the effects of studying abroad. For instance, it would be relevant to examine how differential changes in personality traits and intercultural competences due to study abroad experience translate into group-specific labour market outcomes. Answering such questions would also provide more knowledge about the mechanisms that can explain the observed heterogeneity in the effects of studying abroad.

Additionally, long-running panel data would bring about methodological advances: They would enable the application of statistical techniques allowing for better approximations of causal effects of studying abroad. At present, many surveys limit analyses of heterogeneous outcomes of studying abroad because they address individuals only after graduation. This limitation of graduate surveys explains the relative popularity of matching approaches, which cannot capture selection into study abroad experience based on unobserved characteristics. A fruitful complement to the extension of survey data would be the more frequent use of experimental designs in research on ISM.

Besides age effects, period effects and cohort effects warrant further attention in research on ISM. Once the required panel data are available for multiple student and graduate cohorts, scholars could examine whether the effects of studying abroad have changed over time. For instance, we still lack robust analyses testing the hypothesis that the labour market returns to studying abroad have declined over the past decades as a result of ISM becoming less exclusive (see also Waibel et al., 2017 ). Footnote 7

In line with previous evidence on occupational status benefits of studying abroad (Waibel et al., 2018 , 2020 ), evidence on the wage effects of studying abroad presented in this special issue confirms the tendency that those with a low propensity to study abroad benefit more from studying abroad than those with a high propensity to study abroad (Netz & Grüttner, 2020 ). However, it is noteworthy that all existing studies refer to graduates in the German labour market. Thus, further evidence is needed from other countries.

The findings are far less straightforward concerning effect heterogeneity depending on the social origin. In Italy, students from lower socio-economic backgrounds benefit more from studying abroad in terms of foreign language acquisition (Sorrenti, 2017 ) and the likelihood of postgraduate education (d’Hombres & Schnepf, 2021 ). Regarding the employment likelihood a few years after graduation, analyses of the returns to studying abroad report either no significant group differences (d’Hombres & Schnepf, 2021 ) or comparatively high returns for graduates from intermediate social backgrounds (Di Pietro, 2015 ). In Norway, the influence of studying abroad on graduates’ early-career risk of unemployment and skills mismatch does not vary significantly depending on parents’ educational attainment (Wiers-Jenssen & Støren, 2020 ). Similarly, Zimmermann et al. ( 2020 ) do not find significant differences by parents’ professional qualifications in the effect of studying abroad on multicultural effectiveness among students in Germany. However, wage returns to studying abroad are higher among graduates from an academic background in the German labour market (Netz & Grüttner, 2020 ). In Poland, too, graduates from an academic background benefit most from studying abroad in terms of the employment probability (Liwiński, 2019a ).

Concerning the migration background, the effect of studying abroad on multicultural effectiveness does not vary significantly in Germany (Zimmermann et al., 2020 ). Similarly, the effect of studying abroad on the risk of unemployment and skills mismatch does not vary significantly depending on whether graduates have a migration background in Norway. However, graduates with a migration background seem to benefit slightly less from study periods and private stays abroad regarding the propensity of being hired in Germany (Petzold, 2020 ). In summary, existing evidence on heterogeneous effects of studying abroad depending on socio-demographics is thus mixed. Footnote 8

Furthermore, there is conflicting evidence regarding the hypothesis that study abroad experience pays off more in vocationally unspecific than in vocationally specific labour market segments. Evidence from Germany concerning the influence of studying abroad on occupational status (Waibel et al., 2018 ) and on labour income (Kratz & Netz, 2018 ; Netz & Grüttner, 2020 ) supports this hypothesis. However, Wiers-Jenssen and Støren ( 2020 ) find no evidence of this pattern regarding the risk of unemployment and skills mismatch in Norway.

Further research should address the reasons for the highlighted inconsistencies. One reason could be that studies use different variables to capture ISM, the social and migration backgrounds, the specificity of labour market segments, and the respective outcome variables. Another possible reason is the use of different analytical samples and methods. It is also conceivable that students from specific backgrounds benefit more from studying abroad regarding skill acquisition, but are not able to translate such relative advantages to tangible labour market benefits. Finally, the highlighted inconsistencies could also reflect country differences in how national higher education systems and labour markets moderate the effects of studying abroad.

Analyses of effect heterogeneity depending on the likelihood of studying abroad, socio-demographics, and the fields of study and work are just some examples where high-quality, large-scale, internationally comparable data are dearly needed. To date, research on country differences in the effect of studying abroad is confined to European countries (Humburg & van der Velden, 2015 ; Jacob et al., 2019 ; Rodrigues, 2013 ; Teichler, 2011 ; Van Mol, 2017 ). While the contributions to the special issue are not always in line with the pattern that labour market effects of studying abroad are “larger in countries with poorer university quality, lower international trade volume, higher graduate unemployment, and with relatively few students going abroad” (Jacob et al., 2019 , p. 500), they align with the geographic pattern that returns tend to be larger in Southern than in Central European countries and smallest in Northern European countries: The contributions report notably positive labour market effects of studying abroad in Italy, moderately positive effects in the UK (d’Hombres & Schnepf, 2021 ) and Germany (Netz & Grüttner, 2020 ; Petzold, 2020 ), and slightly positive or insignificant effects in Norway (Wiers-Jenssen & Støren, 2020 ) and the Netherlands (Van Mol et al., 2020 ).

Regarding treatment heterogeneity, the results presented in the special issue (Petzold, 2020 ) are in line with previous research suggesting that employers place more value on internships abroad than on study periods abroad (Van Mol, 2017 ). In Germany, this also seems to translate to slightly higher wage effects of internships than of study periods abroad (Kratz & Netz, 2018 ). In the Netherlands, however, analyses of graduate survey data do not reveal significant differences in this regard (Van Mol et al., 2020 ). Considering that only a few studies explore this treatment heterogeneity, further research is needed. This claim also applies to heterogeneity depending on the organisation and host country of stays abroad. In this respect, it is important to keep in mind—and certainly also difficult to model with the available sample sizes—that students’ and graduates’ potential to benefit from studying abroad will likely depend on the specific pairing of their home and host countries.

The findings on treatment heterogeneity are probably also highly contingent on the examined dependent variables. Studies differentiating the effects of study periods and internships abroad have focused on labour market effects. Considering that internships are more likely to generate specific, labour market relevant human capital than study periods abroad, it is understandable that employers favour internships over study periods. The picture might look different, for instance, in the expanding line of research examining the effects of studying abroad on academic development and achievement.

Besides this outcome, ISM scholarship could also devote more attention to further dependent variables that have received little attention—in research on studying abroad in general and in research on corresponding effect heterogeneity in particular. For instance, it would be relevant to examine (heterogeneous) effects of studying abroad on relationship stability, health-related quality of life, and life satisfaction.

In summary, this special issue has compiled manifold conceptual angles and empirical findings on heterogeneous effects of studying abroad. It has equally illustrated the ample opportunities to further expand research on ISM through a more explicit focus on effect heterogeneity. Footnote 9 Clearly, the proposed typology of heterogeneous effects of studying abroad has not yet been fully explored empirically. In that sense, we have only just begun to answer the question of who benefits most from studying abroad.

In this special issue, study(ing) abroad denotes study-related stays outside the country where students obtained their higher education entrance qualification or where they first enrolled in higher education. Study(ing) abroad may take the form of entire degrees completed abroad (often called degree mobility or diploma mobility) or of study periods, internships, language courses, and other study-related stays abroad (also referred to as short-term mobility, or as credit mobility if yields study credits). The term study(ing) abroad is often used synonymously to the notion of international student mobility (ISM). Strictly speaking, however, study(ing) abroad accentuates individual action on a micro level, while ISM rather describes cross-border flows of students from a macro perspective.

The developed typology does not present a complete list of conceivable types of heterogeneity in the individual-level effects of studying abroad. Rather, it collates the major types that have so far been discussed in the ISM literature. It also intends to inspire thoughts about other types of heterogeneity in the effects of studying abroad. Ultimately, it aims at broadening the ISM research agenda.

Clearly, approaches examining effect heterogeneity depending on latent constructs or composite measures, such as the propensity to study abroad, are related to approaches using manifest constructs, such as the social origin being measured by the educational attainment of students' parents. In turn, both analytical perspectives are related to analyses of effect heterogeneity focussing on pre-sojourn values on dependent variables or on other skills and signals. In fact, students with differing propensity to study abroad and social origin will also differ regarding these latter two aspects. However, as has been illustrated, it is legitimate to conceptually differentiate all four perspectives because they accentuate different theoretical assumptions. Moreover, as the contributions to the special issue demonstrate, they require different methodological strategies and may produce different results.

From a country-of-origin perspective, the returns to studying abroad can also vary depending on the country where national graduates find work. Among graduates from Poland, for instance, wage returns to studying abroad seem to manifest only among graduates working abroad after graduation, and not among graduates remaining in Poland (Liwiński, 2019b ).

From a policy perspective, it would also be interesting to examine the outcomes of hybrid types of stays abroad. For instance, do combinations of study periods and internships abroad produce particularly beneficial results?

Cammelli et al. ( 2008 ) provide descriptive evidence that the early-career wages of Erasmus alumni exceed the wages of graduates who organised their stays abroad differently. In future research, experimental designs—such as vignette studies or field experiments—would offer ample opportunities to provide more robust tests of differences in the signalling value of specific study abroad programmes and of self-organised stays abroad.

Combinations of different data sources could also advance research. Examples are the inclusion of survey experiments into student and graduates surveys, and the linkage of survey data with administrative data from higher education institutions, social security offices, and tax bureaus. Such integrated data would provide very robust measures of students’ and graduates’ spatial, educational, and labour market trajectories.

Regarding students’ and graduates’ socio-demographics, in particular, further research should better examine the role of policy interventions for the generation of inequalities. With few exceptions (e.g. Kramer & Wu, 2021 ; Netz & Finger, 2016 ), it has hardly been examined how policy interventions influence socio-demographic inequalities in study abroad participation. We know even less about how policies may inadvertently promote unequal outcomes of studying abroad, or about effective policies to maximise the benefits of studying abroad for disadvantaged student groups.

By drawing on respectively relevant theoretical models, such a focus could certainly also help advance research in other realms of the social sciences.

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I thank all contributors to the special issue for their great work and excellent collaboration. Moreover, I thankfully acknowledge the valuable feedback of our anonymous reviewers. I am grateful to Simon Marginson for his continuous support throughout our initiative and to the editorial team of Higher Education for their assistance during the publishing process. Finally, I thank Michael Grüttner, Katharina Reitsamer, and Ulrike Schwabe for helpful comments on previous versions of this article.

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Studying Abroad: Pros and Cons (Essay Example)

Studying abroad essay: introduction, benefits of studying abroad: essay body paragraphs, challenges of studying abroad: essay body, pros and cons of studying abroad: essay conclusion.

On the outside, it may seem extraordinarily strange that some individuals choose to journey hundreds, perhaps thousands of miles to study abroad when they could just easily register for a similar course in their home country. But on the inside, there are many valid reasons why individuals may choose to cross borders in the pursuit of a degree, diploma or certificate program that is readily available at home.

In the 21st century, many students are convinced that it is seldom enough to graduate from any learning institution. Rather, students want to study in internationally recognized institutions, which offer better opportunities and exposure towards preparing them for future career undertakings. However, there exists a myriad of challenges and problems associated with studying abroad. This paper purposes to look at the pros and cons of studying abroad.

As already mentioned, the advantages of studying abroad are many. First, international institutions offer a wide variety of courses, some of which may not be available at home. The wide variety gives the students an upper hand in selecting courses that are tailored to meet their preferences and the needs of the market.

Indeed, many students from less developed countries choose to study abroad since many of the courses offered at home have become irrelevant to the needs and requirements of the job market. In this respective, students who study abroad are assured of having a competitive advantage over their counterparts who wish to study at home since they will have a chance to select courses that are tailored to meet the specific needs of the job market.

Second, the exposure one gets while studying abroad goes a long way to assist individuals in the social and work life later on in life. By studying abroad, students get to experience and feel life in a foreign country that may be practicing different values and way of living from their home countries.

The knowledge and experience received from interacting with individuals from diverse ethnic and cultural orientations make an individual develop balanced perceptions regarding other people.

This is especially important in the job market as multinational corporations, the main employers, are always on the lookout for dynamic employees who can fit in any ethnic or cultural group. What’s more, the experience received from interacting with diverse cultures while studying abroad assist individuals to gain a well-informed perspective of how the world works.

Studying abroad also comes with many opportunities that may be hard to find in home countries. Students are offered the opportunity to learn new and exiting languages while studying in modern institutions equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, contemporary library services and best computer facilities one could think of. This may be a tall order to request from local institutions of learning.

These opportunities assure the students of excelling in life due to the simple yet weighty reason for studying in accredited learning institutions. It is imperative to note that knowledge of different kinds of languages is an important asset in the job market.

Students in countries such as the UK, Japan, and the US have the opportunity to work during the course of their study. Such an opportunity may be severely limited in many other countries where graduates struggle to find cleaning jobs — as such, studying abroad may also come with a good prospect of finding a job.

There exist several disadvantages of studying abroad. One of the most challenging disadvantages relates to culture shock. Some students find it extremely hard to adopt or get assimilated to the cultures of foreign countries. As such, their stay in such countries is full of difficulties.

For instance, some forms of foodstuffs that are viewed as delicacies in foreign counties may be a taboo to eat in local countries. Some religious and cultural dogmas also worsen the problem of culture shock. Culture shock is a leading cause of suicide among students studying abroad.

Apart from culture shock, many students suffer from acute spasms of homesickness while studying abroad. This actively serves to deter them from achieving their long-held dreams since many are unable to cope or adjust to the fast pace of life in foreign countries. Difficulties in communication have also been mentioned as a disadvantage in studying abroad.

Students will be inarguably faced with the problem of contact if they cannot speak the official language of the host country. What’s more, studying abroad is thought to be a very expensive affair due to high tuition fees and other charges related to air travel and upkeep. As such, it is seen as beyond the reach of many students who would otherwise want to study abroad.

All in all, there exist many more pros and cons of studying abroad. However, the bottom line is that students wishing to study abroad must prepare themselves thoroughly before jumping into the next plane to take them abroad. As discussed in the essay, studying abroad brings immense opportunities that may be unachievable locally.

However, some of the consequences of studying abroad may be potentially fatal if adequate preparation is not factored in. Students wishing to study abroad must, therefore, do their best to collect information relating to a broad spectrum of issues practiced in host countries. There are established agencies that can assist the students in knowing a thing or two about countries they may wish to visit for study purposes.

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The International Student Blog

Experiencing a different culture through studying abroad.

From the hustle and bustle of city life to the peaceful serenity of rural living, studying abroad offers an opportunity to experience a different culture. In this article, we look at the benefits of studying abroad and offer tips to help you overcome culture shock. Read on to find out more.

Benefits of Studying Abroad

Studying abroad has many benefits, both in terms of learning about another culture and personal growth. One of the most apparent benefits is the opportunity to learn a new language. Immersing yourself in a new culture is also a great way to learn about different customs and traditions. In addition, you’ll likely make new friends from all over the world.

Another benefit of studying abroad is that it can help you stand out when applying for jobs. Employers are always looking for candidates with international experience. Therefore, studying abroad can give you the edge you need to get hired.

Studying abroad is also an incredible opportunity for personal growth . You’ll learn independence, adaptability, and resourcefulness, all skills that will come in handy no matter your life path.

Concept of Culture

Culture is the behaviors and beliefs of a group of people, typically passed down through generations. It includes everything from language and religion to customs and food. When you study abroad, it’s vital to remember that each country has its own unique culture.

You may be used to a particular way of doing things, but being open-minded and respectful in a new country is essential. For example, in some cultures, it’s considered rude to make direct eye contact, while in others, it’s considered disrespectful not to make eye contact . There are also different expectations around personal space. On one hand, it’s common in some cultures to stand close when talking, while in other cultures people prefer to keep a bit of distance.

It can be easy to offend someone without meaning to, so it’s essential to do your research about the area’s culture before you travel. First, learn about the basic concepts of the culture you’ll visit, such as values, etiquette, and taboos. This will help you avoid any potential misunderstandings.

What is Culture Shock?

Culture shock is a phenomenon that occurs due to exposure to a culture that is different from your own. It can be a source of anxiety and discomfort as individuals struggle to adjust to the new culture. Normally, people who travel to a new country or live in a foreign country for an extended period will likely experience culture shock . Being out of place and unable to adjust to the new culture can be overwhelming and lead to isolation, homesickness, and depression.

Four Stages of Culture Shock

Culture shock is a process that consists of four distinct stages, including honeymoon, frustration, adjustment, and acceptance.

An initial sense of excitement and curiosity characterizes the honeymoon phase. Everything is new and exciting, and you’re full of energy and enthusiasm for the adventure ahead.

However, this phase doesn’t last forever. Eventually, the novelty will wear off, and you’ll feel frustrated. You’ll become homesick and miss the comforts of home. You may also feel like you’re not fitting in or don’t understand how things work in your new cultural context.

• Frustration

The frustration stage of culture shock can be challenging to deal with. This is because you may feel like you are not understanding or adapting to the new culture as you had hoped. You may also feel homesick and long for the familiar comforts of your home country. However, it is essential to remember that this is a normal part of the process and will eventually pass.

To find your way through the frustration stage, you need to stay positive, keep an open mind, and seek support from others who are going through the same thing.

The adjustment stage of culture shock is crucial for anyone who has recently moved to a new country. This is the stage where you will start getting used to the new culture and way of life, which can be tricky initially. However, it is essential to remember that everyone goes through this stage and that feeling like you are struggling is perfectly normal.

Find a support network to help you adjust to your new surroundings. You will soon feel more at home in your new country with a little effort.

The acceptance stage of culture shock is when you feel more comfortable in your new cultural surroundings. You begin to understand and appreciate the differences and learn how to cope. This can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience as you better understand yourself and others. However, it can also be challenging as you adapt to new ways of thinking and behaving. Ultimately, remaining open-minded and flexible while learning about your new culture is the key to success at this stage.

How Can You Overcome Culture Shock When You Are Already Studying Abroad?

You’ve probably experienced some culture shock if you’re already studying abroad. Adjusting to a new culture can be tricky, whether it’s the food, language, or customs. But don’t worry; there are ways to overcome culture shock and make the most of your time abroad.

Here are some tips on how to overcome culture shock when you’re already studying abroad:

Talk to Other International Students

When you first arrive in a new country to study abroad, it is normal to feel overwhelmed, especially if you don’t understand the local language fluently. One of the best things you can do is talk to other students studying abroad. They will likely be experiencing the same challenges as you and can offer valuable insights and support. By doing so, you will quickly learn more about the area and begin to feel more comfortable.

Get Involved in Campus Activities and Meet as Many People as Possible

Try to involve yourself in as many campus activities as possible. This will help you feel more connected to your university and community. Getting involved in campus activities and student unions will not only help you meet as many people as possible, but this will also help you get to know the local culture better, and make friends who can show you around. Please don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re overwhelmed.

Learn About the Local Culture and Customs

Learning about the local culture and customs of where you are or will be studying will help you understand and appreciate the differences between your home and host cultures. This will help you understand what to expect when you arrive and make the transition much easier. It’s also a good idea to try and meet the locals who can show you around and help you adjust to a new culture. This can be a great way to combat any feelings of loneliness or isolation you may experience while studying abroad.

Be Aware of Your Own Cultural Biases

When studying abroad, being aware of your cultural biases is essential. This will help you overcome culture shock and adapt to cultural differences and your new surroundings. You can do many things to become more aware of your own cultural biases – one way is to talk to people from other cultures and ask about their experiences; another way is to read books or articles about other cultures. Doing these things will teach you more about the world and yourself.

Think Globally, Volunteer Locally

If you’re struggling with culture shock, you can overcome it by thinking globally and volunteering locally. To think globally, try to see the big picture and understand that there are many different cultures, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Just because you don’t understand everything about a culture doesn’t mean it’s terrible. On the contrary, learning about other cultures can be one of the best parts of studying abroad.

Another way to overcome culture shock is to volunteer locally. Volunteer work can help you connect with people in your host community and learn more about their culture. It’s also a great way to give back to the hosting community. There are many ways to volunteer, so you’ll find an opportunity that fits your interests and skill set.

Transferring International Class Credits

If you plan on studying abroad, you’ll want to ensure that your credits will transfer back to your home institution. This can be tricky, as each school has different policies and procedures. However, some general tips can help make the process go more smoothly.

First, start by doing your research. Talk to your study abroad advisor and your academic advisor at your home institution. They’ll be able to tell you which credits are likely to transfer and which ones might not. It’s also a good idea to look up the policies of the school you’re planning on attending abroad. That way, you’ll know their requirements and how they handle credit transfers.

Next, get everything in writing. When you talk to advisors, get their advice in writing. That way, you’ll have something to refer back to if there are any issues later. Similarly, if the school you’re attending abroad has any special requirements or forms to fill out, ensure you get guidance on them in writing as well.

Finally, stay organized and keep track of all your paperwork. This includes things like transcripts, course descriptions, and any other documents that might be relevant to the credit transfer process. Keep them all in one place to easily access them when needed.

My Personal Experience Studying Abroad with the Help of a Supportive School System

I had always dreamed of studying abroad, and I was ecstatic when the opportunity finally presented itself. I did my research and found a program that fit all of my criteria. It was in a country I wanted to visit (Italy), which was affordable, and offered classes that would count towards my degree. The only thing left was to apply for the program and hope for the best.

Fortunately, my school system was very supportive throughout the entire process. They helped me with the paperwork, advised me what to pack, and even gave me a list of scholarships I could apply for. Thanks to their help, I was able to have a fantastic experience abroad without breaking the bank.

If you’re considering studying abroad, I highly recommend using your school’s resources. They can make the process much easier and help you save money in the long run.

Studying abroad is a fantastic experience that can truly broaden your horizons. By immersing yourself in the culture of another country, you will gain incredible knowledge and understanding of different cultures around the world. From learning a new language to discovering unique customs, exploring a foreign land through studying abroad is an opportunity, you should not pass up. So, if you want to gain a greater appreciation for other countries and their people, start planning your study abroad journey today.

Adeola Okafor , Nigeria

https://www.internationalstudent.com/study-abroad/guide/ten-benefits-to-studying-abroad/

https://www.ciee.org/go-abroad/college-study-abroad/blog/why-study-abroad-top-7-benefits-studying-abroad

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6558403/  

https://www.wes.org/advisor-blog/how-to-transfer-credits/

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-Search schools and request information: https://www.internationalstudent.com/school-search/usa/ -Learn more about the application process: https://www.internationalstudent.com/study_usa/application-process/ -Explore financial aid information and resources, including loan and scholarship options: https://www.internationalstudent.com/international-financial-aid/ -Browse scholarships or use the quick search tool: https://www.internationalstudent.com/scholarships/search/

Once you find a scholarship you’re eligible for or interested in, be sure to contact the institution responsible for the scholarship directly. They’ll be able to assist you with the application process and answer any questions you may have.

Best of luck with your studies!

Regards, The International Student Team

Hi, Great article! I’m enjoying reading your posts. This is well worth reading. You presented great insight and information. Thanks.

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10 Most Common Challenges Of Studying Abroad In 2024

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It’s not a hurdle if you step over it

Studying abroad is an incredibly rewarding experience. It's an excellent opportunity to learn and grow in a new environment and to meet people from all over the world. However, adjusting to a new culture and lifestyle is one of the most particular challenges of studying abroad. Let's look at the top 10 challenges of studying abroad and how to overcome them.

10 Challenges of Studying Abroad and How to Cover Them

For international students, there can be many challenges in studying abroad, which means adapting to a new culture, language, and education system, which can be overwhelming at times. It is not uncommon for international students to experience feelings of homesickness, isolation, and financial difficulties, among other common challenges of studying abroad. However, international students can thrive in their new environment with the right mindset and support. Let's identify 10 of the most common challenges international students face, along with practical tips and strategies for overcoming them. 

1. Culture shock

One of the biggest challenges faced by international students studying abroad is adjusting to a new culture. You’re already new there and know nothing about the culture even after researching because, let's be honest, there are some things that the internet does not hold. Moving to a foreign country where you need help adapting to the new culture and customs can be daunting. 

How to cope with this challenge of studying abroad : To help you adjust, research before you go—learn about the local customs and etiquette and any cultural differences between your home country and your destination country. And even if you dont learn anything through the internet, you’ve got plenty of time to learn it hands-on. This will help make the transition smoother and help you better cope with the common challenges of studying abroad. It would help if you also tried to immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring the city, trying new foods, making friends with locals, and learning about their history and traditions.

2.  Overcoming language barriers

This is one of the most common challenges faced by students when they’re planning on studying abroad. When one decides to study abroad in a country where English is not commonly spoken, one may encounter significant language barriers, which are often some of the biggest challenges faced by students studying abroad. 

How to cope with this challenge of studying abroad : To overcome these problems of studying abroad, you must begin learning the language before you go—take classes or use online resources such as Duolingo or Rosetta Stone. Then, once you arrive in your host country, practising speaking every day can help you eradicate problems like these that international students face. Go out into public spaces like markets or parks and talk to people; this will help improve your conversational skills quickly! Of course, that is easier said than done, but you need to identify the challenges of studying abroad and how to overcome them 

3. Feeling homesick

Homesickness is another one of the common challenges of studying abroad—it's normal (and even expected). All of us feel homesick after a point, it can be anything from your family or your best friend snack home, and it can be a hurdle in your educational journey abroad. But don't worry, this challenge faced by students also has a solution.

How to cope with this challenge of studying abroad : The best way to cope with homesickness is by staying connected with family and friends back home—try using video chat services like Skype or Facetime so that you can stay up to date on what's happening back home but still get used to being away from home for extended periods. Additionally, you must make new connections in your host city that can help you overcome most of the common challenges of studying abroad. If possible, seek out other international students who share similar experiences to yours so that they can relate better than locals can! 

4. Financial challenges hit hard

Finances are often overlooked as one of the challenges faced by international students when going abroad. At the same time, it may seem like living in another country is more affordable than living in your own country due to exchange rates or lower living costs, but this is only sometimes true! 

How to cope with this challenge of studying abroad : Therefore, make sure that you plan financially ; set up a budget before leaving home. Know exactly how much money you need monthly for expenses such as rent/housing, transportation, books/study materials, etc. It will help you avoid the challenges of studying abroad so that there aren't any surprises once you arrive! Also, if possible, look into scholarships or grants offered by universities/organisations specifically for international students—this could help alleviate some of the financial challenges of studying abroad! There are many free postgraduate scholarships you can explore. 

5. Learning styles & academic expectations

International students' transition to a new academic environment can be one of the challenges faced by international students. The academic expectations in your host country may differ significantly from what you're used to back home, similar to other challenges of studying abroad. This could throw you off track if you're not careful. 

How to cope with this challenge of studying abroad : To avoid mishaps, it's crucial to take proactive measures early on to understand these differences fully. Research your school or university's academic expectations beforehand to prepare yourself better. If you're still unclear, don't hesitate to ask your professors for clarification. These steps allow you to set yourself up for success and avoid any potential academic hurdles.

6. There are limited social connections

Another one of the biggest challenges faced by international students is making authentic connections with fellow students from different backgrounds can challenge international students. Making friends in college can help beat the loneliness of staying abroad . 

How to cope with this challenge of studying abroad : Joining clubs related to your field of study is a great start but doesn't guarantee close personal relationships and coping with the challenges of studying abroad. However, you can create online groups using apps like iMessage or WhatsApp to bring domestic and international student bodies closer. Connecting in a virtual space can help bridge the gap and foster genuine friendships faster and also help you tackle problems faced by international students easily. 

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7. Adapting to a new lifestyle is a task

There are many challenges of studying abroad, and one of the challenges faced by international students is adapting to a new way of life. From cultural norms such as dress codes to building your professional experience , each destination has its unique array of variables to navigate. Studying in a foreign country can be an exciting and transformative experience, but it comes with the challenges of studying abroad. In addition, it's important to remember your adventure's ultimate goal, personal growth and development. So, no matter what hurdles may arise, stay focused on achieving your goals and maximise your time abroad without giving up on the challenges of studying abroad!

How to cope with this challenge of studying abroad : To help ease this transition period, make sure that when travelling around town/countryside, you familiarise yourself with local customs. Additionally, try exploring different areas within your host city/countryside—visit museums/cultural sites whenever possible! This will give insight into what life may have been like during previous eras and provide ideas on how current citizens live day-to-day lives, which may differ significantly from yours back home! 

8. Finding a good accommodation to live in

Finding the right place is a big challenge faced by students. On-campus student accommodations tend to fill up quite fast, so it is key to shortlist the right off-campus housing options. An issue that is not often talked about enough, but this truly is one of the most arduous problems of studying abroad. Often, various malicious sources masquerade as real property owners and scam the already worried international students. Unfortunately, such scams are still prevalent.

How to cope with this challenge of studying abroad : Amber provides you with only the creme de la creme, and you can shortlist reliable and verified properties from the comfort of your home. Amber essentially makes this problem a non-issue for all students! You only have to pick, pay, and book your home away from home, and the rest will be taken care of by us.

9. FOMO is real!

It is truly one of the most underrated problems of staying abroad - the fear of missing out! It is easy to take the time you spend with your friends and family for granted. It is only when you are thousands of miles away from home that you realise that you fear missing out on their lives. While still hurtful, challenges faced by international students such as these can be mitigated and helped with the right mindset. 

How to cope with this challenge of studying abroad :

1. Ensure keeping up tabs on your friends and family - drop a text or ring them up often, especially on days that are special to all of you.

2. Make video calls fun - while it is nice just to sit and chat, plan fun little activities to feel like you never really left. Teleparty lets you watch streaming services together, and online video games are great options.

3. Learn to overcome it - there will be times when you just can’t be there and miss out on important parts of the lives of your close ones. Understand that that is okay and is bound to happen. Forming an identity for yourself in a foreign country and learning to be okay with it can go a long way.

10. Comfort food is a big miss

Homemade food is a major casualty when pursuing studies abroad. One can argue this is one of the biggest problems of studying abroad. Food is a cultural element that one grows up with and is part of an individual’s identity, so a difference in spices, tastes and even the surroundings can play a huge role in a person's morale. 

How to cope with this challenge of studying abroad : These problems of studying abroad can be dealt with, however. One can opt for student accommodations which feature cooking essentials, and you can easily buy your preferred ingredients from nearby stores. Make sure to budget your ingredients properly. The only downside is, if you can’t cook, well, learn how to! Additionally, many cities have restaurants that serve different cuisines, and you might just get lucky. If you wish to budget your expense better, here are some ways you can save your money on grocery shopping.

If broadening your professional experience while travelling overseas sounds appealing, Readygrad , our trusted partner, provides the key to acquiring the necessary skills to achieve your career objectives and secure employment opportunities.

Living abroad, especially as a student, can seem quite difficult and will take some getting used to. However, we hope that these tips and tricks on how to overcome these challenges have helped you and led to a smooth transition to studying abroad. At the end of the day, digging at the roots of a problem will be far more beneficial than hacking at the leaves. Therefore, finding long-term solutions to the problems you are facing will reap better results. Finding the right student accommodation abroad with amber can help mediate whatever issues that may pop up. For more information, you can check out our webstory on 5 tips for adjusting to life abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are homesickness and cultural shock normal, does being a part of a community make problems easier for international students, are the challenges of studying abroad worth enduring, what’s the best way to overcome the challenges of studying abroad, does every student face such challenges.

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Home — Essay Samples — Education — Studying Abroad — Studying Abroad vs Studying in Your Country: A Comparative Analysis

Studying Abroad Vs Studying in Your Country: a Comparative Analysis

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Cultural exposure and global perspective, educational quality and specialization, language acquisition and communication skills, financial considerations and accessibility, personal growth and independence, networking and career opportunities.

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Home / College tips / Advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad

Studying in foreign countries is a big decision that brings along a number of benefits, but it is not without its challenges. This is why one needs to thoroughly analyze the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad before making the final call.

The pros and cons can differ from one student to another, but there are some things that can always be assessed objectively. Firstly, one needs to meet the requirements for enrollment into a school abroad. This primarily means – great grades; if possible, accompanied by extraordinary talents that can lead not only to enrollment, but also to a scholarship. 

Greatest advantages of studying abroad

What is the advantage that international students receive if they choose to attend American schools? Firstly, going abroad is a big step that brings new experiences and different perspectives on life. Education abroad lets one acquire knowledge that considerably expands the scope of future career options. 

The acquired knowledge opens up the possibility of working at successful companies that are always in search of talented young experts. Also, education in the USA opens the door to many international companies that highly value diplomas from American schools.

Different approach to education

The main reason why students choose studying in another country is a different approach to education. Even if lectures are in English, the educational system in the student’s country of origin is certainly different from the American one, from the curriculum, through the learning techniques , to the way the teachers conduct their lessons. Many find this difference in approach beneficial, and even achieve better results than they used to at home. 

Learn a new language

Going to another country brings along a great challenge – learning to speak a different language . Although many people abroad speak English, lessons are usually given in the local language and opportunities to practice are limited. Studying abroad is an excellent opportunity for learning a new language or advancing one’s knowledge of an already familiar language. Spending a part of life in the country where the language is spoken is indispensable when it comes to developing fluency through active use. 

Even when it is not the primary goal, learning a language is necessary if the students want to fully experience their new environment. The entire experience of living abroad is more colorful when you understand the locals and the world around you in general. This is even more important if you would like to remain there after graduation. In that case, the mastery of the local language makes it much easier to land a well-paying job. For some, studying abroad can be a part of a long-term plan that includes settling and working there after graduation.

Personal development

Education in another country is an excellent way to advance yourself, and maybe even discover your own traits that you have not been aware of. Encountering different lifestyles and solutions to everyday challenges will help you build character and habits crucial for success in life. 

In a situation where you need to rely on yourself, you will fully realize the importance of self-discipline and dedication to the goal you have set for yourself. Although you will meet friends who will help you along the way and learn from top teachers, at the end of the day, it is all up to you and your own personal development. 

Different culture

Studying abroad means that you will spend considerable time in the USA, a country that might turn out to be much different than yours. Although at a glance it might seem that the modern lifestyle is similar – after all, they use Facebook and Twitter everywhere – the differences should not be disregarded. Firstly, there is food and its effect on the lifestyle. Its importance extends much further than the fact whether something is spicy or sweet. Food is the basis of every culture – it is an occasion for people to get together, exchange ideas and make new friends. 

Cultural differences can open new outlooks on life. Studying the specific traits of American culture is sure to leave a lasting impression, expand your horizons and change your life for the better. So use your stay for a road trip and have a firsthand experience in local culture. 

New friends

Making friends abroad is a unique experience because students from all over the world are gathered in one place. It is an opportunity to get to know people whom you would otherwise never meet. They all share the same goal – to acquire new knowledge, and exchange ideas and experiences with people from all parts of the world. This way, one can forge friendships that will last for life, and network with future experts in the relevant field. Do we need to remind you that some of the most successful companies were funded by people who met in school? 

Career changing opportunity

Whether you want to work in the States after graduation or not, the knowledge and diploma you will acquire can serve as a great recommendation for companies worldwide. The American educational system is highly esteemed in the international job market, and one should also bear in mind the fact that many companies are in search of new talent with a background in this specific educational system. It will be much easier to get your break if you have not only attended college but also acquired work experience through an internship. Not everyone has these experiences, which are held in high regard in expert circles. 

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What are the disadvantages of studying abroad?

As it is a big, life-changing decision, it is clear that it involves some challenges too. They primarily have to do with the change in lifestyle, adopting new daily habits, and a decrease in communication with friends and family; also, this important decision is never made without financial considerations.

Friends and family

When you choose to go abroad, you need to be aware that this means leaving your family and friends behind. This can come as a great shock to some, especially if they are very close to their environment. Although many return after graduation, the very fact of leaving home and staying somewhere far away for a long time is an insurmountable obstacle for some. Luckily, these days, it is not as hard as it used to be, thanks to social networks and other means of communication. 

However, homesickness is something that cannot be avoided, especially when one considers the time zone difference, which can amplify the sense of isolation from those nearest and dearest. Luckily, this can be alleviated by trips home for the holidays and enjoying packages from home (with favorite cookies and other things that remind one of home). 

Cost of studying

There are a number of subjective obstacles that can lead one away from the idea of studying overseas. However, there is one factual, objective factor that has the greatest bearing on the final decision – the finances. Truth be told, studying abroad can be very expensive. Certain scholarships and student benefits can alleviate the living expenses only up to a point. In any case, one requires accommodation, food, and daily expenses.

This is why education needs to be planned ahead in order to prepare the resources for life in another country in time. The costs vary depending on state, but as a rule, the highest prices of student life are in the cities where the elite educational institutions are located. Luckily, in the United States, there are a number of benefits for students such as scholarships, as well as the option of working part-time jobs.

Cultural differences

Although it is generally a good idea to experience different cultures, visiting a town as a tourist and living there for a while are not the same. Different habits, different food and different ways of communication can be a big problem to some. Although they seem like little things, the cultural differences put together can really bother a foreigner. A different concept of friendliness and a sense of rejection can lead to alienation and loneliness. 

These problems can also result from unrealistic expectations and an idealized view of the destination. Students who already have the experience of living abroad can be of great help with this. Their experiences and their advice can help you understand the local customs and way of life. With good preparations, almost all difficulties brought about by moving into another country can be fully avoided.

Studying abroad will change your life

Every person reacts to challenges in their own way, so it is important to research the potential destinations and the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad in time. Not everyone enjoys a dramatic change, but there are a number of benefits that need to be taken into consideration when making the decision. Of course, any change as big as going to live a while on another continent is sure to be accompanied by some challenges that need to be overcome. 

But it can also be the best route to success, independence, and acquiring international school experience. The decision of studying abroad needs to be made only after a thorough analysis of all the options and their pros and cons, taking into consideration the required personal skills (independence, communicativeness, adjustability, flexibility…). If you are ready for a big adventure and all the challenges it brings, studying abroad is definitely a good idea and an amazing life experience.

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The Benefits of Cultural Immersion Through Studying Abroad

In this article, we discuss the Benefits of Cultural Immersion Through Studying Abroad! 

Studying abroad has become increasingly popular over the years and for good reason. Not only does it provide students with the opportunity to obtain a unique and enriching educational experience, but it also allows them to immerse themselves in a different culture. Cultural immersion is one of the key benefits of studying abroad, as it enables students to expand their worldview, gain a better understanding of other cultures, and develop cross-cultural competencies. In this article, we will explore the benefits of cultural immersion through studying abroad.  

Read this article to know more about the Benefits of Cultural Immersion Through Studying Abroad!

5 Super-Amazing Benefits of Cultural Immersion Through Studying Abroad 

Below are 5 Super-Amazing Benefits of Cultural Immersion Through Studying Abroad 

Cultural immersion enhances cultural understanding

One of the primary benefits of cultural immersion through studying abroad is that it allows students to develop a deeper and more nuanced understanding of different cultures. While it is possible to learn about other cultures through books, videos, and other media, nothing compares to the experience of living and studying in a foreign country. By interacting with locals, attending cultural events, and experiencing day-to-day life in a different culture, students gain a more comprehensive understanding of the nuances of that culture. This deeper understanding can help students avoid cultural misunderstandings and miscommunications in the future.

Cultural immersion develops empathy and understanding of different cultures

When students are exposed to different cultures through studying abroad, they not only gain knowledge but also empathy and understanding for people from different cultural backgrounds. This exposure allows students to see the world from a different perspective and appreciate the differences and similarities between their own culture and the culture they are experiencing. This increased empathy and understanding can help students develop cross-cultural competencies, which are valuable in an increasingly globalized world.

Cultural immersion improves language skills

Studying abroad is an excellent way to improve language skills. Immersion in a foreign language environment provides students with the opportunity to practice speaking and listening to the language in a natural setting. This type of exposure is essential for language acquisition, and studying abroad provides an ideal opportunity for students to immerse themselves in a language and culture. The experience of studying abroad can also inspire students to continue studying the language even after they return home.

Cultural immersion promotes personal growth and independence

Studying abroad can be a challenging experience, but it also promotes personal growth and independence. Students must navigate a new culture, make friends, and handle day-to-day tasks on their own. These experiences can be transformative, as students gain a newfound sense of independence and self-reliance. The experience of living in a foreign country can also help students develop adaptability, resilience, and problem-solving skills, which are valuable in all aspects of life.

Cultural immersion enhances career prospects

Finally, cultural immersion through studying abroad can enhance career prospects. Employers value candidates who have cross-cultural competencies, language skills, and experience living and working in different cultures. Studying abroad can provide students with a unique set of skills and experiences that set them apart from other candidates. Additionally, students who study abroad often develop a global network of contacts, which can be valuable for future job opportunities.

Discover how to make the most of your study abroad experience with these essential tips and strategies. From immersing yourself in the local culture to exploring new perspectives, this article provides valuable insights and actionable advice to help you maximize your time abroad. Don't miss out on this opportunity of a lifetime—read now and make the most of your study abroad adventure!

Conclusion 

Cultural immersion through studying abroad is a valuable and transformative experience for students. By immersing themselves in a different culture, students can gain a deeper understanding of other cultures, develop empathy and understanding for people from different cultural backgrounds, improve language skills, promote personal growth and independence, and enhance their career prospects. Studying abroad provides students with a unique set of skills and experiences that can shape their lives in countless ways. It is a life-changing opportunity that offers countless benefits, and if you are considering studying abroad, take the leap and immerse yourself in a new culture – the rewards are sure to be worth it.

So, this article was about the Benefits of Cultural Immersion Through Studying Abroad. We hope by reading this article you must have got some insights into the Benefits of Cultural Immersion Through Studying Abroad! 

If you need any further assistance, feel free to reach out to Alpha Edu Abroad for advice! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook

This article explores the numerous benefits of studying abroad for students . It discusses how international education enhances cultural awareness, language proficiency, and personal growth, while also fostering valuable skills that contribute to academic and professional success. The article provides insights into the transformative experiences and lifelong advantages that studying abroad can offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cultural immersion.

Cultural immersion refers to the experience of immersing oneself in a different culture, typically through living and studying in a foreign country. It involves experiencing the local culture, customs, language, and way of life, and gaining a better understanding of the nuances of that culture.

Why is cultural immersion important?

Cultural immersion is important because it enables individuals to gain a deeper understanding of different cultures, develop empathy and understanding for people from different cultural backgrounds, improve language skills, promote personal growth and independence, and enhance career prospects.

What are the benefits of cultural immersion through studying abroad?

The benefits of cultural immersion through studying abroad include:

• Enhanced cultural understanding
• Development of empathy and understanding for different cultures
• Improved language skills
• Promotion of personal growth and independence
• Enhancement of career prospects

What are some challenges of cultural immersion through studying abroad?

Some challenges of cultural immersion through studying abroad include adjusting to a new culture, language barriers, homesickness, and cultural differences that may cause misunderstandings.

How can I prepare for cultural immersion through studying abroad?

You can prepare for cultural immersion through studying abroad by doing research on the culture, customs, and language of the country you will be visiting, talking to people who have previously studied abroad, and attending pre-departure orientations provided by your educational institution or program.

Can cultural immersion through studying abroad be beneficial for my future career?

Yes, cultural immersion through studying abroad can be beneficial for your future career. Employers value candidates who have cross-cultural competencies, language skills, and experience living and working in different cultures. Studying abroad can provide you with a unique set of skills and experiences that can set you apart from other candidates and enhance your career prospects.

Can I study abroad even if I am not fluent in the local language?

Yes, you can study abroad even if you are not fluent in the local language. Many study abroad programs offer language courses to help students learn the local language. Additionally, many locals in foreign countries speak English, which can make communication easier for non-native speakers.

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Alpha Education Abroad is an initiative by IIT Delhi and IIM Ahmedabad alumni. The firm helps students get admitted to top universities overseas in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Germany, and many other countries. It allows students to apply for graduation as well as post-graduation courses abroad. It also helps students get admitted to top 1 year MBA programs such as ISB and IIM Ahmedabad in India.

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IELTS essay, topic: The advantages and disadvantages of studying in another country

• IELTS Essays - Band 6

Every year an increasing number of students choose to go to another country for their higher education. Do you think the benefits of this development outweigh the problems associated with it?

The past twenty years have seen a dramatic change the number of students who go abroad . In this essay, I will explore the advantages and disadvantages of this trend.

On the other hand, there are disadvantages too. Firstly, it costs people a lot of money to begin college in foreign countries. Many families have to take out all their savings to support their children abroad. Secondly, some students cannot stand the big difference the new environment, they quit their study and come back home.

To conclude, given the fact that in foreign countries helps students with their studies and promotes the mutual understanding countries, even if there are some drawbacks, I think the benefits outweigh the problems.

All the parts of the task were covered, although some were covered better than others. The writer’s position is relevant to task prompt, although the conclusions are somewhat repetitive.The information is presented coherently, it is evident that the writer progresses from one idea to another. The linking words and phrases are used, however at times they seem repetitive or forced (not natural). There are some attempts to use more sophisticated words, not all are accurate. Even though there are some errors in grammar and punctuation, they don’t make the meaning much harder to understand. Overall, this essay seems worthy of Band 6.

Click here to see more IELTS essays of band 6

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Many Students Today are Choosing to live in Another Country

Many students today are choosing to live in another country – ielts essay.

Many people/students today are choosing to live and work in another country after graduating from university in their home country. Why is this? Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

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More and More Students Today are Choosing to live and work in Another Country IELTS Essay

Sample Answer 1

The number of students going abroad for higher education has increased tremendously in the contemporary world. In my opinion, leaving one’s own country for higher education eventually brings more problems than advantages.

Admittedly, there are some basic benefits to studying in a foreign country. Firstly, the student gets a chance to find employment in overseas markets after the completion of their course. Since salaries are higher in these countries, their financial situation will definitely improve when they work abroad. Secondly, overseas programs provide them with an opportunity to study with students of other nations. This in turn, not only develops their communication skills but also encourages them to think in a different manner, as they socialize with students of an entirely different society.

Nevertheless, despite the advantages mentioned above, I believe that there are some serious disadvantages to studying abroad. One of the major problems is that students who study abroad do not contribute to their own country’s economy. To illustrate, the migration of skilled people to other countries has slowed down the development of countries like India. Students who should) have been entrepreneurs in their own country, are seen running successful businesses and paying taxes in other countries. Another potential problem of studying abroad is that students have to pay higher fees for their studies. They often have to work part-time to fund their studies and this takes their focus away from their studies. Another issue is that living away from families in a highly competitive environment leads to a stressful life. This could be one of the main reasons that provoke students to commit serious crimes.

To conclude, people may have different opinions but I believe that the major drawbacks of going abroad for higher studies far outweigh the minor advantages. This trend affects the economic growth of their own country and also makes life stressful for them.

Students Today are Choosing to live in Another Country IELTS Essay

Sample Answer 2

Nowadays, an increasing number of learners prefer to study abroad. Although studying overseas has some drawbacks, the advantages it brings regarding academic and personal development are obvious and immense.

There are a few disadvantages to studying overseas that each student must carefully consider before moving to a different country. First, it is expensive and sometimes really tough for the middle class. That is to say that the overall living cost is considerably higher compared to the home country. Second, communication is another major hurdle for most students studying in another country. In most cases, students cannot communicate effectively with teachers, peers, and locals. This may lead them to anxiety, frustration, and homesickness. I can recall my friend Ruhan as an example. The cultural barrier made him feel lonesome and homesick when he first landed in the UK for higher studies.

In contrast, studying abroad opens up new horizons for students and develops a deeper understanding of diverse cultures. Foreign universities have advanced teaching materials and methods, which make learning easier for students. Besides, students are exposed to different cultures. They can discover different lifestyles and social norms, which in turn broaden their perspective. In addition, with the proper cultural context, students can learn a second language accurately and quickly. This by consequence offers a competitive edge over their counterparts. For example, my elder brother is doing a job in a transnational company based in Spain. The company has selected him due to his foreign degree and better skills in the Spanish language. It is usually considered that the employee with a foreign degree is motivated to embrace any challenge and able to adapt to diverse cultures.

To conclude, students learn better in a foreign university and develop faster as a professional and an individual. Despite some drawbacks, studying overseas offers a myriad of benefits and it is expected that renowned universities will attract more foreign students in the coming days.

Students Studying Abroad IELTS Essay

Sample Answer 3

Nowadays, more students choose to study abroad than ever before. While there are good benefits in studying in a foreign country, I believe that the drawbacks outweigh the positive impacts this trend has.

On the one hand, there are many benefits of studying abroad. Firstly, overseas students become more independent by living alone in a foreign country. For instance, they are responsible for cleaning, cooking, and paying bills. Secondly, moving to other countries can broaden students’ horizons. They get exposed to different cultures and customs and gain knowledge about them. Also, overseas students learn foreign languages to cope with the new culture they are involved in. Finally, foreign institutions offer better courses for students. The qualification gained open the door to get better job opportunities with high salaries.

On the other hand, I would argue that studying abroad has more negative impacts than positive one. One problem is that it can affect students psychologically. Studying alone in an unfamiliar culture can lead to homesickness or even depression. Also, this different culture may lead to culture shock which may affect the student’s performance. Another drawback of studying overseas is that students can experience some problems with paperwork like visa permits and may struggle to find suitable accommodation and paying their bills. This may add more pressure on the students and interrupt their studying. Furthermore, the language barrier may exacerbate the situation. Studying in a foreign language is a difficult task for many students and if they failed to master the language and communication skills, this may lead to isolation from the community and might cause a failure in studies.

In conclusion, the drawback of studying abroad outweighs the benefit and this decision needs more assessment from the students.

Studying Abroad IELTS Essay

Sample Answer 4

Tertiary education prepares a student to get ready for the real world and thus plays an immensely important role in someone’s life. Deciding whether to complete it in the home country or in a more prestigious university in a foreign country can be tricky. I personally believe that the overall picture of moving to a different country to complete higher education is troublesome.

To begin with, it is a common thought that someone with a foreign degree is more adept and can get lucrative job offers. On top of that, many students spend a great deal of their family money to complete their university education in a first-world country and wish to settle there. However, reality hits harder than expected. More than 90 percent of those students have to return to their home countries and start a career they cannot enjoy. Two of my cousins, to cite an example, have completed their graduation and post-graduation in Australia and returned home only to find that their local counterparts are already in higher positions in companies they are planning to apply to. Many students who study in a foreign university either become illegal residents at a time or do works that are inappropriate to their profile.

Moreover, pupils who move to other countries to achieve higher degrees often face financial hardship and get involved in ordinary part-time jobs. At a time they find themselves in a situation when completing the university is not possible. The percentage of such students is on the hike and no doubt it is a regrettable outcome. In a foreign land, they face cultural differences, communication problem,s and challenges that they could have easily avoided and concentrated on their studies in their home countries.

To conclude, the promise of having a foreign degree is quite lucrative but the challenges are even greater. I personally feel that a home university is always a better option to complete someone’s higher education without being distracted.

Sample Answer 5

It is true that the number of students who choose to study overseas has increased rapidly in the past few years. Studying in a foreign country has its own positive and negative sides, but I personally believe that it has more benefits for the students themselves.

On the one hand, some believe that the choice of studying abroad has some disadvantages. One of the reasons is that studying overseas will cost more than studying in the home country. It is necessary for parents to spend more money on airplane tickets, accommodations, food, and clothes, besides tuition fees and uniforms. Another reason is that students might be unfamiliar and uncomfortable with the culture, environment, and language of the new country. As a consequence, it might have a negative effect on their mental condition and academic performance. Adopting a new environment often hampers the natural flow of study for many students and some students do not continue their studies to earn money when they are abroad.

On the other hand, another group of people thinks that studying in another country brings so many positive aspects for the students themselves.  Firstly, by studying in a new country, students will have a chance to learn new languages and new cultures. Secondly, students will learn about how to live independently, like cleaning their own rooms or doing the laundry by themselves. Thirdly, they could make new friends with people from other countries and get familiar with multicultural environments. Lastly, it is a fact that in certain countries, an international graduate certificate gives additional value when the students search for jobs.

In conclusion, it is undeniable that the preference of studying in a foreign country has its own benefits and drawbacks. Despite all the disadvantages, I believe that it has more advantages for the students themselves, therefore young people should be encouraged to study in a new country. Although some of them might have difficulties with the fees, many international scholarships are offered these days.

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Guest Essay

Stephen Breyer: The Supreme Court I Served On Was Made Up of Friends

By Stephen Breyer

Justice Breyer is a retired associate justice of the United States Supreme Court and the author of “Reading the Constitution: Why I Chose Pragmatism, Not Textualism.”

Recently, the Supreme Court justices Sonia Sotomayor and Amy Coney Barrett spoke together publicly about how members of the court speak civilly to one another while disagreeing, sometimes vigorously, about the law. Considerable disagreements on professional matters among the Supreme Court justices, important as they are, remain professional, not personal. The members of the court can and do get along well personally. That matters.

In my tenure, this meant that we could listen to one another, which increased the chances of agreement or compromise. It means that the court will work better for the nation that it serves. And I wonder: If justices who disagree so profoundly can do so respectfully, perhaps it is possible for our politically divided country to do the same.

Sandra Day O’Connor was the first woman appointed to the court; Ruth Bader Ginsburg was the second. I remember being slightly surprised when, during a visit to meet with several European judges, they suddenly disappeared. Where had they gone? It seems they went off together to look for suitable women’s collars for their robes. They found some, and Justice Ginsburg wore them ever after.

At about the same time, Justice O’Connor reminded me that our chief justice, William Rehnquist, had decided that he, too, needed something distinctive on his black robe. Inspired by Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Iolanthe ,” he decided to enliven it with a few gold stripes on the sleeves. Justice O’Connor found at a European bookstall a picture of Lorenzo de’ Medici wearing similar stripes. She suggested that we send it to him with a special message from her.

We would do things together outside class. Chief Justice Rehnquist, Justice Anthony Kennedy, Justice O’Connor and I would play bridge with friends and spouses (often changing partners). Today, I gather that justices who do not always agree on legal results nonetheless agree to go to hockey games or play golf together. (Why hockey in Washington, D.C., where baseball, football and basketball abound? Perhaps they just like hockey.)

As is fairly well known, Justice Ginsburg and Justice Antonin Scalia loved opera and became great friends. They even persuaded Justice Kennedy and me to take part in a Washington Opera performance of “Die Fledermaus,” provided, of course, that we simply sat onstage on a sofa and never opened our mouths. Justice Scalia had a good musical voice, however; he, law clerks and other justices would sometimes sing at the court, joined by Chief Justice Rehnquist, as well as by a friend of Justice Scalia who was a fine pianist and loved Cole Porter.

Justice Scalia and I would talk to students in high school or law school and other audiences about the court. It was obvious to those audiences that while we did not share basic views about how to interpret difficult statutory and constitutional phrases, we were friends.

Certain unwritten rules helped to smooth over differences and maintain good personal relations among court members. At conferences when we discussed cases privately, we proceeded in order of seniority, and no one would speak twice until everyone had spoken once. Thus, everyone could be fairly sure that he or she would have a chance to speak before minds were definitely made up. (This rule helped me, for I was the most junior justice for 11 years.)

Once all had spoken, we would discuss the case, back and forth. But one quickly learned that it did not help to say “I have a better argument than you.” Much better to listen to what others say and to find in their points of view material for working out an agreement or perhaps a compromise.

Chief Justice Rehnquist generally did not approve of jokes made during the business portion of the conference, though I admit I once told him while we were having coffee, after having recently nearly lost a majority on what we thought initially would be a unanimous opinion, “I have discovered how to get five people on a single opinion.” “How?” he asked. “Start with nine,” I replied.

In any event, agreement or disagreement, joke or no joke, in my 28 years on the court I did not hear a voice raised in anger in that conference, nor were snide or personal remarks ever made. The discussion was professional, disagreements reflected legal differences on the merits, and the justices tried to find ways to reach court agreements.

Justice O’Connor maintained that a highly important informal court rule was this: You and I may disagree strongly in respect to Case 1, but that fact has nothing to do with our positions in respect to (not legally related) Case 2, where we may be the strongest of allies. That is, no horse-trading.

After conference we would have lunch, often talking about sports or trading so-called jokes and other nonlegal matters. I remember once saying to Chief Justice Rehnquist that I thought it amazing that we were about to have a pleasant lunch when just 20 minutes before at conference we strongly disagreed about applicable law. His reply suggested that he thought only a short time earlier that half the court thought the other half had lost its mind.

What works for nine people with lifetime appointments won’t work for the entire nation, but listening to one another in search of a consensus might help.

Stephen Breyer is a retired associate justice of the United States Supreme Court.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

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