Studying in your home country can make sense (depending on where you live). But if you really want to maximise opportunities and make the most of your education, going abroad is often critical. Many of the best schools are often overseas, leaving you with little choice if you want to get into specific, highly competitive fields.
The purpose of this post is to provide some of the reasons why you might want to study overseas, plus some precautions to consider if you think it is the right option for you.
Language Acquisition
One of the primary reasons people study overseas is that they want to acquire the local language. Living in a foreign country makes this process easier because you are surrounded by people who don’t speak your language, and expect you to speak theirs.
For example, if you go to South America to study, you’ll be expected to speak Portuguese or Spanish, since most people in that part of the world don’t have any English.
The same applies to Far Eastern universities. They speak Mandarin, Korean, or Japanese, depending on where you go.
Personal Growth
Another reason it is worth going overseas is the personal growth it fosters in you. You learn how to be independent from an early age, discovering the things you need to go to be resourceful and get ahead in your environment.
This personal growth aspect is critical when it comes to problem-solving skills. The more you can practice fending for yourself and relying less on others, the better off you’ll be.
Of course, it still makes sense to take out international student insurance just in case you get into trouble. These products cover you financially if you get sick or require some other service that would be expensive to purchase locally.
Networking Opportunities
Some people also like studying overseas because it provides them with networking opportunities. They can get to know new people that they wouldn’t ordinarily meet in their home country.
A nice aspect of this is that these relationships can lead to future relationships in the business world. The people you meet at university are often the high-quality individuals you need for sustainable partnerships in the future.
Career Advantages
Another perk is the career advantages that studying overseas offers. Going abroad while you’re young shows that you have independence and global awareness, which is something that a lot of companies and hiring managers look for when taking on new people. They want to see that you have the adaptability that global travel brings with it. Often, these qualities set you apart, which is how many people get into the top institutions.
Better Education
Finally, traveling abroad introduces you to potentially better education than your home country. You’re able to go to the institutions that are the most renowned in your field.
For example, many people go to Germany to learn engineering because it offers some of the best schools in the world. Likewise, the U.S. is famous for business and has associated startup incubators for transition into the world of work.
