The Advantages of Studying Abroad - Essay Example

The Advantages of Studying Abroad Abstract This essay is written to proffer the benefits of studying abroad. It would initially delve into determining the factors that need to be considered when analyzing the option to study in a foreign land. Further, it would closely examine the advantages, as well as disadvantages, of being given the privilege to study in a foreign country. Introduction Very few people are given the privilege of studying in a foreign land. For some, it is a matter of choice. For others, studying abroad has been destined from the time they were born. The growth and advancement in technology and in diverse fields of endeavor provided the impetus for students to adapt and adjust to the demands of their environment. The increase in competition in the global market make studying abroad a plausible experience to gain multicultural perspectives. For those who are faced with alternative courses of action as to the selection of the educational institution they prefer – whether in their own country or abroad – diverse factors need to be considered before making the appropriate decision. In this regard, this essay aims to proffer the intricacies of studying abroad. It would initially delve into determining the factors that need to be considered when analyzing the option to study in a foreign land. Further, it would closely examine the advantages, as well as disadvantages, of being given the privilege to study in a foreign country. Factors Influencing Studying Abroad Decisions First and foremost, a critical consideration before one can simply enumerate the factors that need to be taken account when deciding to study abroad is the level of one’s preponderance to the decision. According to the study conducted by Naffziger, Bott & Mueller (2008, 44), there are two dependent variables that influence clearly stated factors which influence student decisions to study abroad: “INTEREST in studying abroad and OPENNESS to studying abroad.” These two variables greatly affect the students’ decision subject to the following factors: (1) curricular or career issues with study abroad programs; (2) fear of travel and of the unknown; (3) financial considerations; (4) incompatibilities; (5) previous travel experience and exposure to study abroad programs; and (6) social obligations and concerns. (Naffziger, et.al. 2008, 44) The variables are significant because they affect behavioral traits which ultimately lead them either to decide or not to undergo with a study abroad program. Those who are genuinely interested and open for opportunities to study abroad are least likely to consider barriers: fear of the unknown, language and communication, ethnic and cultural diversity. These students innate openness to experience new and innovative things assist them in making immediate decisions to study in a foreign land. If a student is averse to this option, then, most likely, he or she would look at all the negative aspects of studying abroad, despite any prominent advantages in this regard. In another research, Van Der Meld studied influencing factors for Asian American students when faced with the option to study abroad. His discourse proffered that “the factors in the general student population, which influence a student’s decision to study abroad include (in no particular order): limited commitment to international education; insufficient institutional and student funding; inadequate preparation in foreign languages and lack of knowledge of other cultures; curricular requirements on campus; limited support services on campus and abroad; and inadequate information on opportunities for education abroad.” (n.d., 75 – 76) The study was conducted over a period of one year; from 1995 – 1996 with data collected by the New York State Task Force on International Education. Van Der Meld, likewise, presented two major studies which discussed factors that hinder student decisions for study abroad programs. Heimbroff & Rusz (1993) and Mattai and Ohiwerei (1989) both averred that “funding is a major roadblock that prevents many ethnic minority students from studying abroad.” (Van Der Meld, 76) Other relevant factors that hinder the decision are as follows: fear of discrimination; fear of travel to unknown and unfamiliar places; language and communication barriers bring anxiety; lack of assurance of the students’ capabilities; lack of knowledge on what study abroad programs offer; and “the education level of minority students, choice and availability of program offerings overseas, and family and social constraints.” (Van Der Meld, 77) Advantages of Studying Abroad When a student is focused on the option to study abroad after considering all factors relevant to the decision, one is braced to gain from the experience and to achieve one or a combination of the following benefits, to wit: (1) personal benefits (“improved foreign language skills, a more cosmopolitan, international perspective, greater tolerance for other opinions, ability to think more originally and to see more than one perspective on an issue, greater self-reliance and self-confidence, more comfort with complex situations, the ability to better cope with ambiguous information, and greater flexibility” (Mae, 2009, par. 1); (2) career benefits (knowledge and skills on cultural diversity and the global market); (3) interpersonal relationships and contacts (close interpersonal friendships and bonds are established); (4) opportunities to participate in social responsibility activities and assist in community welfare programs. The experience to interact with people from another culture enhances and develops one’s skills to adapt and adjust to their local environment. New language and way of life is learned. One gets the opportunity to share experiences from one’s native country and thereby improve the learning experiences from both cultures. Studying abroad builds self discipline and confidence and the ability to make decisions given the situation and the resources at hand. For some students, they come to realize how blessed they are with the talents, and resources they have compared to students who were not given the privilege of studying abroad. The enriching and challenging experiences make the students better able to cope with the demands of the changing environment. Their perspectives in life are widened and they become more open to accept the realities and trials in life. Thus, on a personal basis, students who opt to study abroad experience a holisitic growth encompassing mental skills and physical and emotional maturity. Studying abroad eventually gives the student a competitive edge in career opportunities. With the onset and prevalence of global organizations, individuals who were given the opportunities to travel and gain experiences on other cultures are more qualified to handle issues that face multicultural organizations. This is most applicable for organizations that send personnel to travel to other countries for various tasks and responsibilities. The student who opted to study abroad is more competent to handle responsibilities where he or she had encountered previous experiences. Finally, friendships and bonds formed during study abroad programs last a lifetime. These acquaintances and confidantes are most likely tapped even in future careers. The learning provided by people from other culture can never be gained if one opted to stay in the country where one was born. Disadvantages of Studying Abroad Despite the advantages and numerous benefits of studying in a foreign land, it would be impossible to disregard the disadvantages. For one, studying abroad make students miss family relationships and friends. The feeling of loneliness can sometimes affect the academic performance of students in a foreign country. Another critical disadvantage is the financial constraint and consideration that must be invested by the student opting to study abroad. One must consider the place to stay, the educational expenses, food and daily expenses which could all be more expensive than living in one’s country. Finally, there are also risks associated with living in another country with a culture that is totally different from what one has been accustomed to. It takes time to learn to adapt and adjust to the beliefs, customs, and values of a different culture. One might encounter situations where the normal way of life counters the culture where one opted to study. In that regard, there are consequences that must be faced and challenges that should be surpassed. All is a learning experience. The student should be aware of the differences in culture and be prepared to learn and adjust accordingly. As averred by Van Der Meld, “blatant racial discrimination, communication issues and difficulty adjusting to the lack of a structured environment” (103) are the most common challenges of students studying abroad. Being aware of these, students must have the courage to face these challenges and be prepared to take appropriate action to address these. Analysis Recent studies on studying abroad utilized diverse sample sizes, time frames, methodologies, and parameters to solicit findings on relevant factors influencing the option. Majority of the studies confirmed some limitations which should be dealt with to improve the accuracy of the findings. The Van Der Meld study emphasized that the type and scope of information significantly affect the results. Further demographic issues need to be improved and standardized to make more conclusive findings. The time frame to conduct the study and the methodologies must be improved to cater to a wider sample size to validate the accuracy of the results. Conclusion Students who opt to study in a foreign country are faced with challenges and experiences uniquely distinct in benefits and costs it provides. Not all students who are genuinely interested and open to this alternative are given the privilege to indulge in the study abroad program. The cost component, among others, is one of the most critical factors that inhibit the possibility of the choice. However, if all things and opportunities are equal for students all over the world, it would be a remarkable experience to enable each and everyone to enjoy the wonders of studying abroad. References Hembroff, Larry A. and Debra L. Rusz. (1993). “Minorities and Overseas Studies Programs: Correlates of Differential Participation”. New York: Council on International Education Exchange. Dialog, ERIC, ED 368 283. Mattai, P. Rudy and Godwin Ohiwerei.(1989). “Some Mitigating Factors against African- Americans in the Rural American South Opting to Study Abroad.” New York: Council on International Educational Exchange. ERIC, ED 315 474. Naffziger, D.W., Bott, J.P. & Mueller, C.B. (2008). “Factors Influencing Study Abroad Decisions Among College of Business Students.” International Business: Research Teaching and Practice. 2(1). Mae, S. (2009). Study Abroad. Retrieved 03 Dec. 2009. < http://www.collegeanswer.com/selecting/content/sel_abd_ben.jsp> Van Der Meld, J.S. (n.d.) “Asian Americans: Factors Influencing the Decision to Study Abroad.” F r o n t i e r s : The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad. Read More