Studying abroad....opinions

China
June 20, 2008 7:27am CST
People's living standard has been improved and parents tend to pay more attention to their children's education. Therefore, more and more young people choose to go abroad to pursue their higher education. Frankly speaking, studying overseas has both advantages and disadvantages. Critics argue that there are many good reasons against further study abroad. For one thing, living far away from home, students will suffer from loneliness and homesickness. Oversea students often feel disoriented, depressed for lack of adequate knowledge and understanding of the local customs and life styles. For another, many students do not want to return to their native countries after graduation, because most of them want to seek a more comfortable life and brighter future overseas. This may result in a series of brain-drain and our country will inevitably incure a huge loss of talent. Proponents claim that overseas study has so many advantages. First of all, it can broaden the students' vision. They got a chance to experience a totally different culture. The knowledge of social customs aqquired in the other countries help them to become more open-minded. Secondly, there are academic advantages. Students can learn advanced science and technology. They receive a different education. The book resources are more up-to-date. The professors are aware of all the latest development in their field. Therefore, the standard of teaching is much higher. Thirdly, when they finish their study abroad. They will have more choices for their future career. All the above merits are conducive their self- betterment and self-realization. In my opinion, while oversea study has it drawbacks, the advantages are obvious. It can broaden one's horizon. Students have easy access to the first-rate facilities and the latest development in science and technology. When they finish their study. They have more job opportunities. Therefore, as long as it is financially feasible, an overseas education may do a person more good than harm.
2 people like this
8 responses
• Philippines
21 Jun 08
Studying abroad is a chance to interact other culture, It gives us a chance to learn and gain some experience in their culture at the same time show our culture to them. Although, there are some disadvantages like your living away from your parents and friends. You have to deal on your own. but, the advantage means much...
2 people like this
@chej18 (915)
• United States
20 Jun 08
In my opinion stuying abroad can benefits the students.Experience and more knowledge,learning the culture that they can apply in what thier practice and study, if thier back to thier own country.Most of the students graduated into other country can benefits and get very good job when thier finished study in abroad.But Some of the student who studied doesnt comeback anymore in thier own country coz they become used to it where they are.Its a big lost of thier country if the talent that they learned cannot help the country.But some student are so patriotic and choosing to comeback instead having staying and earn more working abroad.I have a lot of respect for those students who think other people and not only for them self. But i also i understand the students who doesnt want to go back to thier country becouse they want thier life to be easy. greetings from Che!
@lingli_78 (12822)
• Australia
21 Jun 08
my parents also send me abroad when i am 15 years old... i go to singapore to pursue my study and i'm glad that my parents do it for me... i learn a lot of new things and new languages as well and it really broaden my horizons... take care and have a nice day...
@gwenns (255)
• Singapore
20 Jun 08
I would disagree with your point of our own countries suffer a huge loss of talent. In a way yes, the country MIGHT lose talent. To a large extent, there are many ways to cover up this loss, and there will be other foreigners who came to study and stay here to work. Furthermore, there will also be those who went back to their home country after their studies, they could benefit from their experiences and "bargain" for better prospects. And yes, other points are very much valid. It still depends on individuals how they see this matter of loneliness, their abilities to adapt to their environment and how well they could "survive" there. I would say that studying abroad is a good opportunity, but it is not for anyone. One must be mentally prepared and able to think positive. I had always wanted to pursue my further education overseas, but unable to do so due to my financial ability... =) I will one day do so, hopefully. Heh. Cheers~
2 people like this
@dainy1313 (2370)
• Leon, Mexico
3 Jan 13
Hello Chineseairhead I think that if you study abroad you don`t need just to be brain intelligent but emotional intelligent to deal with a whole new world where you get immerge. I studied at France and then came back to my country. Blessings Chineseairhead... dainy
@Shavkat (140131)
• Philippines
2 Jan 13
I used to dream to study abroad, but my parents cannot afford to fulfill that aspiration. My siblings and I are all in College that time. Though I continued to study in graduate school while working, so proudly to say I had my highest degree and graduated for the second time. Though I still have dream to go abroad, but then there is no chances. When I go across the border of the foreign land, I need to work and learned more being in that places.
@thaMARKER (2503)
• Philippines
21 Jun 08
Studying abroad is one thing I wish I experience before. But due to how it cost for my parents, it never happened. The reason why studying abroad is better or could enhance your skills is that, they do have better way of teaching, they are equip. I accept it, universities in my country is not that leading compared to Stanford, Harvard or some popular universities in the world. My university was very good though.
• United States
21 Jun 08
As a junior-year college student who will be studying abroad in Europe come fall, this is a topic that has been in the forefront of my mind for the last six months while I researched my options. I do not believe there are any true negatives to studying abroad, it has been a personal goal of mine since I started college, and I have been fortunate enough to attend a university that fully supports and encourages abroad study with a number of opportunities all across the globe, as well as financial aid to cover the cost. To me, there is no better way to see and experience a different culture than to study amongst their student body. It allows for the student to become completely immersed in a new world and forces interaction on a far more personal level than simply touring a region ever could. This teaches a number of valuable life lessons, such as seeing things from new perspectives, and being more open to and accepting of cultural practices different from ones own. While I am sure there are some students who chose to remain in another country after graduation, there are far more who take their new-found knowledge home with them so they may incorporate it into their lives there. Abroad study changes people and offers them a new way to mature. It can make students lonely, but no more so than studying at any other "away" college within their own country. It certainly is more difficult, but there is so much to be gained for a person willing to face the challenges. Nowadays, cost is hardly an issue. Many of the abroad opportunities offered to me were actually cheaper than studying at my home campus, most were the same, or only marginally more expensive. The idea of high costs probably deters many students from even looking into programs, which is a shame as they are missing out on a chance to make once-in-a-lifetime memories. I personally encourage anyone even remotely considering abroad study (even for a semester, or a 2-4 week summer program), to go for it.