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What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying Abroad?
April 17, 2024
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@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, studying abroad has endless advantages and is 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 6 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.
Read more: How to Put Study Abroad on Your Resume: 4 Steps
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, like our Summer Intensive Spanish Language program in Alicante or our Advanced Arabic Language program in Amman.
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 Top 5 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 2024?
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!
Read more: What is Culture Shock? 4 Examples and Tips to Adjust
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 that may cause homesickness .
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!
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What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying Abroad? IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay
The IELTS writing task 2 requires an individual to present their views on a topic that has been assigned to them. They are required to go through the topic and present their side of the argument. One such example of it could be: “What are the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad?”
So, whenever you are presented with such topics, all you are required to do is present your side of the argument. There is no right or wrong in these answers – all an individual is required to do is to let the examiner know their understanding of the topic that they are provided with.
So, let’s move forward to learn a little about this topic and present an amazing essay answer afterwards to let you know how it’s done.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying Abroad?
The decision to study abroad depends solely on the different advantages and disadvantages of that thing.
So, let’s move forward to know all about them.
What are the Advantages of Studying in a Foreign Country?
Studying abroad has today become the new normal, every other child wishes to move out of their resident country to enjoy among a bunch of completely new people to study between them and to gain as much knowledge as possible with the help of this.
Given below are a few advantages of studying abroad:
#1. Improved Language
The greatest benefit of studying abroad is that it helps you to improve your language skills to a great extent. you get to learn some new words each day and among a bunch of people who speak this language on a regular basis, you get to enjoy the benefits of learning a language completely.
Talking to your friends on a daily basis in the same language helps you to have that fluency in the language which you were not able to achieve before.
#2. New Friends and Career Opportunities
Another benefit that one gets to enjoy after studying abroad is that it really helps an individual to expand his/her network and have some really good friends which can also turn into friends for life. One gets to enjoy their time with people they have not known before and have a great time in their company.
It also helps one to expand their network for some great business or job opportunities overseas. A wider network helps one to connect to some really amazing people and have the benefits of so many new opportunities in life.
#3. Confidence Booster
When you enjoy time among people from a different country and culture altogether, you get to learn so many new things from them on a regular basis. Along with this, it helps one to practice the language on a daily basis which helps in boosting their confidence.
With a great and built-up confidence level, it’s easy to then achieve the heights that you want to.
Also Read: Important Points to Keep in Mind while Answering IELTS Writing Task 2
#4. Explore the World
Moving out of your resident country provides you with an opportunity to live in a new city altogether which also comes with the benefit of exploring a new city and a place never seen before.
When you live in a completely new place, you get to enjoy the scenic beauty of that place, the unexplored yet the most famous places at the same time which serves as an amazing experience.
Now, let’s move forward to learn some of the disadvantages of studying abroad.
What are the Disadvantages of Studying Abroad?
Everything that has some advantages comes with some disadvantages too. So, while there are many advantages of studying abroad, there are many disadvantages of the same too.
So, let’s check them out.
#1. Highly-Priced
Studying abroad might look fascinating to you but it is extremely expensive. Bearing all the expenses of studying abroad for an individual can be quite expensive and tiring at the same time.
The expenses of studying abroad depend solely on the place that you have chosen for yourself and the university that you’re going to get your degree from. The more advanced the country, the higher the expenses.
Also Read: Guide to Ace The Advantages & Disadvantages Essay Questions in IELTS Writing Task 2
#2. Language as a Barrier
One of the biggest problems that many students face while studying abroad is the language that they are not fluent in. It is extremely important for one to learn the official language of the country that you have decided to move to in order to enjoy the benefits of having meaningful conversations.
Many times students have a lot of difficulty in speaking the native language or even understanding it. There are many cases in which teachers prefer to teach the entire lessons in the local language of the city. Therefore, it’s extremely important to have a good grasp of the language.
#3. You’re Dependent on Your Own
Living in a foreign country means you are completely on your own. All the work that you need to do, right from washing your clothes to doing all the household chores, all need to be done by yourself.
There are many students who have never lived out of their home for a long period of time and studying abroad requires them to have such experiences for the first time. While this may have a lot of benefits like you learn so many new things, it can also have some serious demerits too. Many times it has been noticed that students who live alone tend to suffer from loneliness or in some cases, even depression.
IELTS Advantage Disadvantage Model Essay
So, let’s move ahead to discuss one such advantage disadvantage essay in order to know how to present an answer while in the examination hall.
The question for today is: With more and more people moving out of their own country to study abroad, it has been a trend these days. What do you think are the advantages or disadvantages of the same? Share your opinions with us.
Also Read: Want Band 9? Check These Previous IELTS Writing Task 2 Exam Questions and Answers
Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying Abroad – IELTS Model Essay
With changing times, more and more students wish to move out of their native country to a completely new place where they can study among a bunch of students who are new to them. And this has certainly given a rise to the number of students moving abroad to study among them. While the idea of going out seems fun, is it actually true in real scenarios?
Elaborate – IELTS Model Essay Answer
There are many benefits of studying abroad but according to me, I believe the number of demerits of studying abroad is more than its advantages. Starting with knowing about its benefits, it feels great to study abroad. When one starts studying abroad, they become more independent as a person. This is because everything, right from all the household chores to outdoor things needs to be done on one’s own and this helps an individual to become a better version of himself/herself. They learn to be better and dependent on themselves. Living abroad allows an individual to learn different foreign languages in order to converse with their peers and fellow classmates. This further helps them to broaden their horizon, that by learning new languages and living for a period of 2-3 years in a foreign country, they tend to learn new cultures and how things are done differently in their country. They learn about their customs, traditions, and values.
Talk about the Disadvantages
But despite having so many advantages, the number of disadvantages succeed them. Though it is true that students get to learn new languages while living in a foreign country, with that comes the possibility of isolation and loneliness. There are many students who face difficulty while speaking in languages other than their native ones and while learning these languages, there are times when they are not able to converse fluently and swiftly as other students. And this leads to the different language barriers that arise among them. Thus, these children tend to spend most of their time alone without anyone’s company which can further lead to failure in examination and also depression.
Move towards Conclusion of the IELTS Essay Model Answer
Another demerit of studying abroad is that one has to do all of their work on their own which can be quite tiring at times and can lead to fatigue. This can also affect the students psychologically and they can suffer from various mental illnesses. Further, living abroad for a long time alone without being with anyone from your family or loved one can lead to homesickness and even lead to depression among many students. Along with this, studying abroad can be extremely expensive as compared to the cost one bears when he/she decided to study in their native country.
In conclusion, I believe it’s always better to study in one’s own country while being in the company of your loved ones and it should be encouraged more than moving out to study.
Hopefully, you must have found this article useful and if you have any doubts regarding the same, feel free to comment down below and let us know about the same.
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About the Author
Sakshi bachani.
Sakshi Bachani is a freelance Content Writer and Teacher. She has completed her Bachelor's degree from Delhi University.. She has been a freelance teacher for the past five years and has worked towards helping young kids achieve their dreams. She had also worked as an Intern teacher with an NGO. Apart from writing and teaching, she really enjoys music, animals, and plants. She even has her own little garden which she loves very dearly and can be sometimes seen buying more plants for herself.
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Band 6+: The advantages and disadvantages of studying in a foreign country
In the past years, studying abroad has become very popular amongst the students all over the world. Many students want to get a chance of learning about other countries while receiving good education. However, it’s not as simple as it sounds. Like many other things, it has its pros and cons.
As of the worlds current state, quite a notable amount of universities and other higher education institutes offer their services to international students which allows people of all age and color to be able to experience the thrill of learning new languages and cultures, getting quality education, going through different hardships and/or merits that will add to ones character development, and most importantly, getting to see life through others’ eyes that will expose various aspects of life and teach about empathy. On top of that, there are many sudents out there who believe that this opportunity – if used wisely – will help them achieve their biggest dreams. Furthermore, students get a chance to make international friends, establish new connections, and try out new things that will satisfy their mental needs and bring excitement and motivation into their life.
On the contrary, moving to a new country and and being forced to adapt to numerous changes may be a hard punch in the face for some. Countless students suffer from the effects of culture shock, homesickness, and the difficulty of trying to manage to live on their own. Moreover, the stress of studying and loneliness for those who are unable to socialize easily are major problems that may cause pshychological unsteadiness and depression.
Nevertheless, by comparing the outcomes of both the advantages and disadvantages, it’s fair to say that studying abroad is a great way of exploring the world with its goods and bads, getting to meet new people, building mental strength, obtaining diverse skills and abilities, thus elevating ones mind and soul.
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