Planning to Study Abroad? Benefits and Disadvantages

“Foreign education” – what do these words mean to you? Do you find the idea to “study abroad” tempting, something that would help you pursue a bright, successful career? Or do you think there are enough opportunities available in your country for you to explore?

Does the idea of stepping out on your own leading an independent life in a distant land excite you or are you hesitant of moving away from the comforts of your home and family?

Discover these answers for yourself with a little guidance from Mentoria’s premier holistic psychometric test. Explore how your personality, skills and interests intersect to find your ideal career path, whether in India or abroad. 

Advantages

You Become a More Interesting Person

It may seem corny, but studying abroad broadens your perspectives. Being in a foreign country and observing how other cultures exist forces you to question your own ideas. It helps you see things from a different perspective, making you a more well-rounded and open-minded individual.

You have the Opportunity to Learn a New Language

If you study abroad in a place where people don’t speak your native tongue, you’ll have a great chance to pick up on theirs. There is no better way to learn a country’s language than to live in it. This is your chance to increase your fluency if you already know the basics of the language.

It Appears Nice On Your CV

Employers perceive you as a well-travelled individual who is open to diverse cultures and points of view if you have spent time studying abroad on your CV. It also implies that you have the potential to be self-sufficient and that you have essential language abilities.

Better opportunities for Learning

It is simpler to acquire the greatest possible education in your chosen subject of study when you study abroad. This is because, rather than settling for what universities are near to home, you may apply to study at the best institutions in the world for your field.

Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone

Moving to another country to study teaches you to be self-sufficient and not rely on family for help. You’ll have to figure out how things work in your host nation for yourself. As a result, you will have the opportunity to grow in confidence. You will realise that you are capable of far more than you previously believed.

Social Network all Over the World

You will not only interact with individuals from your host country, but you will also meet a large number of foreign students from all over the world. You will ideally make lifelong connections and relationships with whom you may visit anytime you are in their area.

Disadvantages

Homesickness

Even if you’ve merely shifted across the country or to another state, studying away from home might be difficult. Consider how much more difficult it could be to study at a location far from home and in a country that is significantly different from your own. Going home for the holidays or the weekend will be more challenging due to being halfway across the world. But don’t be too concerned about homesickness; it will pass.

Barriers in Language and Cultures

While studying abroad is a fantastic way to learn a new language, you may encounter some language barriers at first. This is especially true at the beginning when you need to set up a bank account and find housing. It’s also likely that you’ll run against cultural barriers related to religion, gender norms, or communication styles.

Very Expensive

Tuition expenses for overseas students are sometimes greater than for domestic students. Moreover, you may not be eligible for the same student loans as you would at home. Furthermore, if you opt to study abroad, you will have to take in significant transportation costs.

Rise in Risk

If you have the misfortune of disliking your course or encountering personal problems that force you to return home early, you will have spent far more time, effort, and money than if you had decided to study from home.

Studying abroad has both advantages and disadvantages, although the downsides are usually worst-case situations or easily overcomeable. So don’t allow the difficulties of studying abroad to deter you from making a life-changing decision that will yield several rewards.

Studying in India

There is a clear distinction in the educational quality and overall university experience provided by India’s top educational institutions and reputable foreign universities. It is unquestionably a better option to pursue higher education overseas, given the different financial and scholarship options accessible.

You might also finish your basic undergraduate degree in India, get jobs, work for three to four years, earn money, and support your postgraduate studies overseas. In conclusion, foreign education has several advantages that can help you develop a stable future and career.

What Others Have Said

Mentoria approached five people from different walks of life and quizzed them on their thoughts about foreign education.  Here is what they had to say when debating studying in India versus studying abroad:

MANALI PARCHURE

Manali is pursuing a double major in Biology and Psychology from Binghamton University, New York.

I decided to study in the US as no course in India allowed me to explore both my interests – Biology and Psychology. When I finally got a taste of independent life, I knew I had to snap out of the safe zone created for me by my parents. Living on my own has taught me how to manage my time, become more adaptable and handle my financial affairs.

I’m currently in my second year of college. This past year has been a blend of adventure, homesickness, exploration of a new environment, reality checks and lessons in independence. I would recommend this experience to anyone who is unable, to find a suitable course in India that caters to their interests.

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BHAKTI PAREKH

Bhakti is a first-year B.A. LL.B student at Symbiosis Law School.

I am an aspiring lawyer who wishes to settle in India. Hence, studying abroad is purposeless in my case. However, even if I were to pursue another course, I would still study in India.

Call me clichéd, but according to me, there’s no place like home.

This weather is what we’re used to. The teaching style is what we have experienced our entire lives. It is easier for us in college. It’s true we don’t have the choice of subjects that are available abroad, but that gives us a lesson in adaptability.

Studying abroad is also expensive. The travel, accommodation, visa and food expenses make your wallet several times lighter.

So, in my opinion, studying in India is a much better option.

VANDANA KAMAT

Vandana is a teacher working at The First Steps School.

Personally speaking, I would prefer if my son studied in India, rather than abroad. Even if it were a city far away, it would still be easy to commute. In the event of illness, I could quickly travel there to tend to him.

Indian food is much healthier. I wouldn’t want my son to eat unhealthy greasy food every day. In the absence of a parent, children are susceptible to peer pressure. If he’s here, I could take care of that aspect.

If he wished to, I wouldn’t try to stop him. But if he decided to study abroad, I would try my best to ensure that he is independent and capable of taking care of himself before leaving.

VIJAYSHREE ANAND

Vijayshree Anand is a Business Management professor at Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics.

As a teacher, I’ve had a few students ask me to write letters of recommendation for them, which I do. When I ask them what exactly they wish to do in life, they give me a straightforward answer. However, it is not as simple as it seems.

Sure, the teaching pattern abroad is better and allows students to think and analyse, but studying overseas is expensive. Not to mention the fact that there are issues like racism that are prominent.

However, if you’ve proven yourself, you can be very successful in a country like the USA. Indians are known to have good work ethics. An education from the country is a bonus. If a student plans to settle abroad, studying in the same country is recommended.

CHHANDASHREE DUA

Chhandashree heads the psychometric and counsellor training initiatives at Mentoria.

A counsellor will never explicitly mention the better option -studying in India or studying abroad. As a counsellor, I would provide the student with all the necessary information. If a student wishes to study a variety of subjects in different fields, going abroad has an advantage. However, if the student wants to focus on a single stream such as science or commerce, Indian education is recommended.

The personality of the student plays a significant role. In a new country, networking is a necessity. An introvert will find it difficult to socialise. This could be a drawback. The resilience of the student matters as well. Financial status, maturity, health and independence are other factors that play a role in making this decision.

Whether you choose to study in India or abroad, what is vital is that you are confident you’ve chosen the right career path for yourself. Just in case, you need some guidance, we, at Mentoria, are right here to help you.

Mentoria promises to handhold you during your career discovery journey – from the time you sign up until you get into a career you love.