university students are increasingly studying abroad as part of their studies. do the advantages of studying abroad outweigh the disadvantages?

It is commonly believed that a growing number of tertiary students

opt

Suggestion

are opting

to study abroad nowadays.

Although

,

this

opens significant avenues for learning and practical exposure, there is a downside to it as well.

However

, I’m inclined to believe that despite the disadvantages, the overall benefits of studying abroad are superior.

To begin

with, studying abroad opens new avenues to students, not only gives them Global exposure or

platform

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a platform

, academic advancement, and language acquisition, but

also

helps build connections to fetch them a high paying job after graduation. Owing to the top-notch education system, there is a lot of potential for research, with world class infrastructure and lab facilities.

For example

, according to the international Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, the number of international students worldwide rose from 0.8 million in 1975 to 3.7 million in 2009.

In addition

,

UNESCO’s Institute

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the UNESCO’s Institute

for Statistics finds that the number is increasing by about 12% each year. Another advantage is that international students embody personal growth, with life experiences which helps them discover their own identity.

Although

academia is great, building up knowledge is wonderful, but what is really worth is they get to challenge themselves enough and dive into new adventures that shapes them as a person.

This

sort of

experience

helps break down cultural barriers between people of different backgrounds, teaches you a great sense of responsibility, self- motivation and help make wonderful friends. From my personal

experience

, driving liberates me. I drove about 3000 miles solo and I’ve had the best

experience

of my life. The disadvantages,

on the other hand

, are few and comparatively less. Of course, students who go to live abroad may

experience

culture shock and language problems.

For instance

, students who want to pursue higher studies in the Europe might have to go through with

intense

Suggestion

intensive

language training and even

then

, feel the pressure sometimes once they get there. Oftentimes, it is hard because we don’t have our familiar safety net of friends and family, especially in the beginning, they might feel homesick. From a very different perspective, it is

also

quite possible that international students could be targeted for espionage, as some foreign intelligence officers may target young and naïve students for their gain. In conclusion, there are many advantages to studying abroad from the perspective of students, and

also

from the standpoint of society and the institutions themselves. The disadvantages are fewer, more minor, and in some cases a bit far-fetched.