Published: 6th June 2018.
Written by Melinda Irvine
Travelling overseas can be one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences you can have. One of the best ways to get yourself out and about in the world without putting the rest of your life on hold completely is by studying abroad. Whether it’s through a traditional university or studying online while living away from home, learning overseas is a potentially fantastic way for you to continue progressing in both your personal and professional lives. But is it for you? Here are some of the pros and cons of studying abroad.
PROS
New cultures
When you study abroad, you give yourself a chance to see parts of the world that might otherwise remain hidden from you forever. When you’re not attending class or putting in work on your online business course or other online class, you can explore new cities and learn about different cultures around the globe.
New friends
Whether you’re sitting next to them in class regularly or just out and about in whatever city in which you find yourself, studying abroad can put you face-to-face with all sorts of people you would have otherwise never met. Some of these interactions can even lead to lifelong friendships you’ll cherish for years to come.
New challenges
Challenges give you a chance to learn new skills and also discover more about yourself, and studying abroad can force you out of your comfort zone. While that sounds like a negative, navigating issues can sometimes help you learn just as much as your online course can!
CONS
Costs
The amount it costs to uproot yourself for a period of time is one of the main reasons many shy away from studying abroad. Of course, there are ways around this issue, though. Taking classes online while abroad helps keeps expenditures down and allows you to be more flexible when it comes to finding affordable housing or taking advantage of other wallet-friendly situations.
Distance
When you study abroad, you’re going to be taking yourself away from your friends and family. That can be disheartening and a bit upsetting for some, so think about if this is something that you think you’ll be able to handle before deciding to study abroad.
Communication
Language barriers can be tricky when abroad, especially when trying to further your education. Communication issues can also go hand in hand with the potential distance issue, as it’s hard to stay in touch with friends and family back home when time zones get in the way. Such issues can lead to a feeling of isolation and loneliness if you’re not prepared.
So, is studying abroad the right thing for you? There’s only one person who knows for sure. As you take these pros and cons into account, one thing to keep in mind is how studying online can make expanding your horizons that much easier. The flexibility and affordability of taking classes online can help you turn your study abroad dreams into reality, helping set you up for overseas success.