A concerned citizen once asked the question, “Why do you promote studying abroad? Why can’t we promote our own universities?”
Well, there are two ways to look at it. Yes, any country can decide to develop its education system to attract international students. It’s the smart thing to do.
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But, on the other hand, going to study in other countries is a practical way to expose people to new cultures, new experiences and new ways of doing things. China, despite seriously developing its education system and making the effort to woo international students, has the highest number of its students studying abroad. India, South Korea, Germany, France, the US are some of the countries with the highest number of its students studying abroad.
So it’s not really about encouraging our people to study at home. It makes sense that countries have a healthy number of its people travel to study abroad and import the new knowledge and experience.
That said, let’s look at 25 reasons you should consider studying abroad. This write-up is brought to you by After School Africa. If you are new here, welcome. Consider subscribing to this channel for more videos like this one below:
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Table of Contents
1. Study and learn in a different way
Often those studying abroad will experience a completely new way of teaching. This can be daunting, but it will also open your mind to new ways of learning.
Read also 10 Of the World’s Most Beautiful Places for Study Abroad
2. Create unforgettable experiences
Study shows that people are happier and feel more fulfilled when they spend on experience than when they buy new things. When you think of the things that bring you the most joy, they are usually memorable experiences. You’ll get a lot of that from studying abroad.
3. It will look good on your CV
If pursuing a professional career is your goal, an international education and experience on the CV will help you stand out. It will also represent you as someone who is up for the challenge.
4. Increase your prospect for international jobs
While you can always go home at the end of your time as an international student, many choose to stay back and apply for a working visa. Even if you return home or decide to seek work elsewhere, the international experience you gained by studying abroad will be an added advantage to your employability.
5. You can discover unique ideas and opportunities
Most of the successful businesses in Africa and Asia were set up by people who gained international exposure and education. Econet, Celtel, IrokoTv, Jumia and more. By studying abroad, if you are curious you may stumble on new ways to solve a problem back home.
6. Learn a new language
Studying in a country that speaks a different official language from yours is among the best ways to learn or brush up on a new language. Imagine being about to communicate in German, French or Mandarin. That could come in handy along your career path.
7. Studying in a foreign country is different from Tourism
Travel for a holiday is very different from settling in a foreign country for year-long study. You’ll get to experience your place of study for a longer period and familiarize yourself with local knowledge such as what tourist traps to avoid and how to get the most out of your new city.
8. You’ll Discover new Delicacies
Yes, food. You just have no idea the variety of food that exists out there. You’ll never know until you venture out. You may even discover your new favourite.
9. Gain independence
It’s not easy being independent. You’ll get to miss people back home. But the experience of being independent is a lot more valuable than living with your parents as a 20-something. It’s a skill you’ll cherish for the rest of your life.
Read also: Top 10 Study Abroad Locations In Top Countries
10. International Scholarships are becoming more common
Studying abroad doesn’t have to leave you penniless, as more and more institutions and governmental organizations are offering dedicated scholarships for international students. To discover international scholarships from around the world, stay on www.afterschoolafrica.com.
11. Take advantage of lower tuition fees
This of course depends on where you study abroad, but if you choose a location in many parts of continental Europe, Asia and Latin America, you’ll find it’s possible to study at a highly reputed university without getting into debt.
12. You’ll develop a global mindset
Whether it’s in work, study or play, you’ll be able to use your new global mindset to back up arguments, inform your beliefs and steer your future.
13. You’ll learn to be self-reliant
Moving abroad is the ultimate test of self-reliance. When (or if) you move back, you’ll likely rely on others less and you’ll take more responsibility for yourself.
14. You’ll meet a diverse range of people
Your exposure to many different types of people will not only help you to develop your people skills, but it will also give you a firmer knowledge of others.
15. Enjoy international student discounts
Many popular study-abroad destinations offer student discounts for different activities from transportation, and bookstores to movie tickets and museums. You just have to spend wisely.
16. You’ll make lifelong friends
You’ll easily develop the attitude that we are in this together with other international students. This can result in lifelong friendships, even with the local students. You may not love every single person you meet, but chances are that you’ll meet at least one lifelong friend.
17. You’ll gain a greater knowledge of different cultures
As you observe and learn why people from different cultures do things the way they do, your emotional intelligence develops. You’ll learn to be less judgemental.
18. See your own culture through a new lens
It’s easy to accept your own culture as absolute. But living in another country can help inform your point of view on your home culture. This could help you to develop your own views rather than simply accepting those defined by where you come from.
19. Learn more about yourself
Throwing yourself into a completely new environment will help you to figure out what you’re good at, as well as what you’re not so good at. You can then build on these things during your study abroad experience.
20. You’ll grow up faster
Speed up the transition from youngster to adult by leaping into the unknown. You’ll have to fend for yourself, buy your own meals and deal with your setbacks. But it’ll all be worth it.
21. You’ll Gain life experience
One of the ultimate reasons to study abroad is to gain life experience. You’ll learn how to organize your life and condense it into one suitcase, handle unforeseen situations, and be independent and self-sufficient.
22. Be spontaneous and adventurous
Being in a foreign environment ignites your adventurous nature. You tend to want to explore your new environment. Open your mind up to new experiences and sights and learn a great deal while having some fun.
23. You’ll learn to appreciate the smaller things more
Studying abroad usually means you have even fewer possessions than the average student, and being that much further from home can really make you miss those familiar comforts you’d taken for granted. Welcome to a new-found appreciation of everything from your parents’ cooking to having more than two pairs of shoes to choose from.
24. You’ll appreciate your home and family more
Any memories of parental arguments or sibling rivalry will pale in comparison to your memories of how amazing they are. Likewise, they’ll have time to forget about all your less attractive attributes too… When you get back these relationships will look so much stronger!
25. Use your spare time to explore
In between lectures and lab sessions, studying abroad should leave you with plenty of time to explore. Whether you’re one for visiting iconic landmarks, trying new foods or bartering at local markets, there’s bound to be a better way of spending your time than scrolling through Facebook!
In summary, variety is the spice of life. Why not take that bold step towards gaining admission to study abroad? If you had or still studying abroad, let us know any more good reasons to study abroad and whether you agree with the list so far! Also, if you found this video helpful, thumb up and share it with someone. If you are yet to subscribe to After School Africa, this is likely a good time to subscribe. Until next time, YOUR SUCCESS MATTERS!
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Do you want to study abroad? Note that obtaining a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree in this field helps to improve your chances in the labor market. Studying abroad is no joke for international students due to the cost. However, you can achieve your dreams without breaking the bank by applying for student loans, which you can pay for as long as 10 years.
MPower Finance and Prodigy Finance are some of the best student loan providers for international students. They also do not require a cosigner or collateral before an application. Reach out to us today, and let’s help you begin the process.
