For many students, the idea of studying in a foreign country is appealing. Experiencing different cultures, meeting interesting people, or simply a change from the ordinary are all aspects of studying abroad which are advertised. But what about the downsides? Before embarking on a study abroad program, here are some issues to consider.
Experience Abroad and Employers
In today’s global economy many employers are seeking job applicants who are aware of other cultures and have experience living in foreign countries. Studying abroad is a wonderful way to make contacts in other countries and to understand how foreign economies and politics are different from your own. Even people who do not wish to go into business directly dealing with the country they studied in will benefit from the experience of living in a foreign country and dealing with all of the challenges of doing so.
Financial Issues of Living Abroad
Compared to colleges and universities in the United States, many of the universities abroad have considerably lower tuition costs. There are hidden costs, however, such as currency exchange and travel expenses. Depending on the currency exchange at the moment, students may find themselves with a lot more money than expected, or a lot less – and this changes daily. Students living abroad would have to be able to deal with these fluctuations in funding.
The further away from home the chosen university is, the more expensive it will be to travel there. This could mean not going home as often, or preparing to spend more on travel. It is also more difficult for foreign students to receive scholarships, although there are some available. These costs must all be weighed against the initial saving in tuition fees and your financial situation.
Dealing With Foreign Culture
The best way to experience and understand a foreign culture is to live in it. This is one of the best aspects of studying abroad, and one that will stay with someone forever. While abroad there are many opportunities to travel, particularly in Europe. This is both a great opportunity and an added expense.
Homesickness can be more prevalent in students who study in foreign countries, as there are fewer similarities and comforts of home. Someone who suffers from homesickness and still wants to study abroad should consider going for a shorter period of time. Other ways to battle homesickness might include socializing with people from one's home country, particularly on national holidays such as Thanksgiving, and trying to get involved in sports groups and clubs.
Academic Issues of Spending Time Abroad
The issue of credits is usually discussed by any collage or university which has a study abroad program. It is important to make sure that the work done abroad will count towards the student's degree once they return to your home country. This is best discussed with someone at your collage or university, such as an advisor.
The student must also make sure that they will be able to keep up with the academics that are missed while they are abroad. The courses that are available at a foreign university might be just as difficult, however the student might miss important information and lessons which will put them behind on their work. The best way to avoid this is to keep in contact with professors from home while studying abroad.
Full Time or Part Time Study?
There are many ways in which one can study abroad. The most popular are the Junior Year Abroad and Junior Semester Abroad programs. These are perfect for students wanting a taste of another country without having to leave their old life behind for too long. This is particularly true for the Junior Semester Abroad. For someone looking for more, and who is willing to get their visa and go without looking back, then consider studying at a foreign university for your entire degree. This is becoming a more popular option, as foreign universities offer excellent education at a lower tuition cost. It’s not for the homesick, but it makes for a wonderful adventure.
Studying abroad can be an exciting and fulfilling experience, but it is important to do as much research as possible in order to avoid unpleasant surprises. If you have a particular program in mind remember to apply early to avoid disappointment.
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