Studying Abroad

As more people in the world have better education, the importance of qualifications becomes ever – more important. With a growing number of people seeking higher education and better qualifications, the choice of where to go for university studies weighs heavily on even more people. In my opinion, overseas university studies provide their fair share of advantages. While I also accept that students studying abroad might face difficulties, I do not believe that the only cause is living and studying in a different culture or that these difficulties outweigh the advantages.

There are numerous benefits to studying abroad. One of them is practice of another language. While anyone can study foreign languages anywhere in the world, there is a huge benefit from having daily practice in using the language. One does not just become more fluent, but also understands the more complex nuances of the language. Also, one who has had extensive exposure to a language has a distinct advantage over someone who has only relied on theory when applying for jobs or positions that require the usage of this other language. For example, in China, only those people who can pass the Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi or the Chinese Proficiency Test for foreigners will be able to obtain a visa to work or live in the country. Those who are unable to obtain a passing mark will have to retake the test until they are able to pass. Those who are proficient in the use of Chinese language will have a definite edge over those who are not as they do not have to spend a few weeks or months taking courses on the Chinese language and can immediately apply for a visa.

Having said that, students will inevitably face numerous difficulties while studying abroad. One such difficulty would be separation from family and friends. When one goes abroad to study, one will be alone in the country for an extended period of time. Away from the support and love of parents, one is left to fend for oneself in an unfamiliar land surrounded by unfamiliar people. Most students who go abroad would also not be so forthcoming, and take a longer time to make new friends in a foreign country. Even worse, the more introverted of such foreign students might suddenly find themselves with no one to confide in or to spend time with. Away from the guidance of parents, one might also turn astray from the path of lawfulness. Consider the recent example of the Hwa Chong alumnus who was found with many videos of child pornography on his laptop. He had been on a scholarship in a foreign university. Had he been studying in Singapore, it would be much more convenient for his parents to check on him and maintain a watchful eye over him, and perhaps he would not have turned astray in the first place.

However, I think it is inappropriate to consider these difficulties to stem from living and studying in a different culture. With the advent of airplanes, many countries around the world have become global countries and the presence of foreigners in the country is hardly surprising. I only see a few problems that one might face in trying to live and study in a different culture. One would be the language barrier. While people who go abroad to study generally study the main language of that country as well, one will often be unable to completely master the language within the few months of preparation one is given before the start of the first term of university. There will still be some figures of speech or metaphors used in conversation that one will not understand. However, I do not think this is a very big problem. As countries become more globalised, most have recognised the usage of English as the international language and most people these days can speak English, albeit haltingly. Another problem would be racial discrimination. Although it has become far less common in our present day world, it still exists in many parts of the world. For example, an Australian girl recently made a video about how Asians in her school were “always yammering on their phones” and how they were irritating. In her video, there were many defamatory comments about Asians. This showcases the severity of racial discrimination that lingers in certain parts of the world.

Some people would argue that it is better to stay home. They bring up the monetary cost of studying abroad and dismiss the concept. Others are concerned about losing friends in their home countries. I am of the opinion that the monetary issue, at least, is not a problem. As more parents can afford to provide their children with good education, more students realise the importance of education in a knowledge-based economy. As such, many students are pushing themselves harder to win scholarships and bursaries. Through these scholarships and bursaries, students who have excelled in their studies can obtain government funding to study in foreign universities. Their expenses will be paid for, in exchange for a few years of bondage when they have graduated from university. I also think the drifting apart from friends is not a very large problem. As one ages, one makes many friends, such as those in the same class or school. Inevitably, some of these friends will be forgotten as new ones come in to replace them. In a new country, I think one has the opportunity to make many friends to replace those who gradually drift out of one’s social circle. Additionally, with the advent of technology like the Internet, one can still keep in touch with many friends through various social platforms like FaceBook, Twitter, Tumblr, the list goes on.

To conclude, I believe that the advantages of studying abroad outweigh the disadvantages. Safety remains one’s first concern above all else. Students who are not so mature or independent should also consider heavily whether studying abroad is the right path for them.