Why Studying Abroad is becoming a popular higher studies option?

Why Study Abroad?

With every passing year, the number of students from India applying for overseas education is increasing.  Here, let us explore why studying abroad has become such a popular option for students of all ages.

Study Abroad Benefits

A wide variety of programs and world class faculty:

• One of the key reasons for studying abroad is the pursuit of brighter career prospects. Even though globalization has opened up many opportunities, students need to acquire profound knowledge and skills in their respective field in order to get an edge over their competitors. Foreign institutes offer specialized programs in technology, urban design, sustainability, nano-sciences, aero-space, ocean engineering, specialized medical fields, etc. that are either not so easily available in all countries.

• If a student has the chance to get into a renowned institution, he/she has the opportunity to learn under the tutelage of the best professors of that subject. It is an invaluable experience that allows the student’s mind and experience to grow in leaps and bounds that one may not probably get in own country.

Exceptional learning experience:

• Another reason for studying abroad is the application based learning methods in foreign universities. Unlike domestic universities that focus on theory based education system, overseas education provides practical and application based learning that provides in depth knowledge and wider experience. The faculty is engaged extensively in research and hence connected with the latest developments in their field, while collaborating with others across the world. As a result, students gain both from their experience and academic as well as industry networks.
• The most important aspect of studying abroad is the ability to enhance critical thinking. The learning methodology involves case studies, assignments, discussions, presentations, workshops, projects, and writing research papers. This helps students to hone various skills like problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, teamwork, adaptability etc.
• International universities boast of world class infrastructure that enhances holistic knowledge and learning. The state-of-art research labs provide the best environment for improving practical knowledge.

Career opportunities:

• Another important reason for the popularity of studying abroad is that it is a great means to enhance one’s employment prospects. Global competitiveness is one of the prime factors that most of the employers look for in their potential employees. International students are rated higher on the grounds of better knowledge, flexibility, network and better understanding of global business. Thus, overseas education opens up doors to successful careers. A degree from a renowned university improves these credentials and thereby increases the credibility of the student. Consequently, he/she gets an edge over his/her competitors.
• Studying abroad also entails living and studying away from home environment. One makes friends with other students who could be from various other countries. Students who flourish in such environments are high on their adaptability, social skills and have a wider perspective and worldview. This are qualities that are highly desirable for roles where you need to travel, lead or work with people across geographies or expand operations in a new country.
• Studying overseas allows a student to gain a different view of international affairs and all the issues affecting economies, politics and societies. This international experience helps while working in a global economy.
• In many instances, study abroad programs have helped students become confident and develop extrovert personality by forcing them out of their comfort zones. Those who embrace the opportunities and challenges of studying abroad go on to have successful careers in their desirable fields.

Opportunities to Explore New Culture & learn new languages

• When a student goes abroad to study, he/she gets the opportunity to get acquainted with cross cultures and different life styles. Another major aspect of studying abroad is that he/she gets a chance to meet new people, find a different linguistic setup and is able to learn a new language in that set up.

Studying abroad can be a challenging proposition for some students who may not have much exposure about opportunities that exist abroad, the application process and figuring out the financial support for studying abroad. However, if you are enterprising, hardworking and ambitious, studying abroad can open up new opportunities for you in your desired field.