The Advantages & Disadvantages of Studying On Your Own Country

The Advantages & Disadvantages of Studying On Your Own Country

The choice to study on your own country versus studying abroad depends on your values, finances, career objectives and personal tastes. Familiarity with your environment allows you to concentrate on school instead of dealing with culture shock or language barriers. On the other hand, students who travel abroad often discover the experience thrilling, regardless of the challenges of adapting to a foreign nation. You might find it helpful to weigh the benefits and disadvantages of each alternative to choose what's ideal for you.

Advantage: Access to Support Network

Supportive people in your life can help you keep motivated and dedicated to earning a degree when you study at home. Researching on your own country allows you to form a close bond with professors and mentors within four years. You could have more chances to work on continuing research projects if professors understand you won't be leaving for a protracted period. Professors personally acquainted with your work could be references if you are applying for jobs or graduate school.

Advantage: Affordability

Researching on your own country is frequently a smart financial decision, especially in the event that you stay in your home, commute a brief distance or rent a inexpensive apartment. You are more likely to leave school with less debt than a student who borrowed heavily to study overseas. As an instance, an typical study abroad program costs $31,270 per semester, based on "Forbes." Instead of studying in a different country while modestly subsisting on student loan cash, it is possible to work in work in your own state to help pay for college and gain valuable work experience which will look good on your own résumé.

Disadvantage: Diminished Employability

Within an increasingly competitive international market, companies like to hire applicants who are culturally aware, appreciative of diversity and proficient in numerous languages, based on Northwestern University. Like many colleges, Northwestern ardently promotes study abroad because it's difficult for students to develop an awareness of global citizenship based solely on textbook readings and classroom discussion. Further, when you haven't stepped out of your comfort zone by venturing outside your own country, employers may question your willingness to accommodate, take risks and get along with co-workers whose backgrounds differ from your own.

Studying in your own country might not adequately expose you to other cultures and customs. By comparison, students that study abroad learn a lot about people around the world through firsthand experience. For instance, the Institute for the International Education of Students surveyed over 3,400 students who had studied abroad and discovered that 95 percent of respondents suggested that the experience expanded their worldview. Likewise studying subjects such as ancient history and art in a classroom isn't quite as exciting or instructive as travel through countries including Egypt, Italy and Greece.