Studying Overseas

Studying overseas has clear advantages, but it is not without its problem. The main benefits of studying overseas are academic ones. Generally, the standard of education is higher. This is because colleges and universities have up-to-date equipment and other resources. Also, teacher and lecturers are highly skilled professionals who are aware of all the latest development in their fields of interest. A final point is that the qualification which a student obtains are valid usually anywhere in the world. As well as the obvious academics benefits, students also gain experience of another culture, improve their language skills and meet many new people. Thus, they will develop many interpersonal skills and become more tolerant. They will become more emotionally mature as they deal with living apart from their family. This helps their personal development as they become more independent. Although, in some cases, there are some negative effects. Most importantly, if students are not properly prepared academically before they go abroad, they could have difficulties following lectures or writing assignments. Furthermore, young students may have problems adjusting to a new culture and could experience loneliness and homesickness. A final problem could be that hey adapt so much to Western that they have problem readjusting when they finally return home. Other possible problems are difficulties in adjusting to a different climate, different food and different lifestyle. With appropriate preparation and support most student should be able to avoid or overcome these obstacles. However, in general, I consider the advantages of an overseas education much greater than any of the disadvantages.