Top Reasons to Study Abroad - Top Universities, Education, Networking, Travel

Top reasons to study abroad - The inevitable increasing global competition is one of the major reasons to study abroad. As students are becoming more aware and familiar with the idea of overseas education, the top countries to study abroad also change with time. USA tops the list when it comes to best countries to study abroad, followed by UK, Australia and New Zealand, to name a few are . With over 9,00,000 international students, US boasts of the maximum number of international students.

Studying abroad is one of the most productive ways to develop the required skills. One of the many benefits of studying abroad is it pushes aspirants to get out of their comfort zone and adapt different culture, education system, environment and language, among others. Education abroad is a life changing experience for students both in terms of knowledge and exposure. The whole concept of studying in a foreign country is an awakening journey which aspirants undertake as it challenges them on both personal and professional levels. The decision to study abroad is a difficult one to take, as it requires heavy funds, prior knowledge about the country and, of course, an admission offer from university. If you are not quite sure whether study abroad is a safe bet or not, here are some top reasons to study abroad to explore before taking the big leap.

Top Reasons to Study Abroad

Below we have briefly explained the top reasons to Study Abroad one by one.

Top Universities

The first thing that comes to our mind when we think of studying abroad is the presence of top universities in the country. For instance, aspirants who want to study in the US dream of making it into Ivy League institutions such as Columbia, Harvard, and Princeton, among others. Similarly, each country has its own top ranking universities to lure international students from across the globe. Studying in a top-notch university offers students a secure feeling towards their future, even though it does not guarantee one. However, studying in top universities does boost student's employability rate, the ultimate goal of a student.

Top universities in the world

Source: QS World University Rankings 2023

Explore different style of education

Studying abroad exposes students to different styles of education. Enrolling in a programme abroad gives students a chance to experience a side of programme that they may not have been exposed in their native countries. In a foreign country, aspirants may have access to internship opportunities during their studies with industry exposure which they may not have back in their home country. Students may also receive an offer to work on live projects with companies. The best part of studying in a foreign country is the practical knowledge students can gain during their programme.

Hone skills

For some students, it may be their first time to step out of their home and live far away from family. The process of adjusting to the new life and people in a foreign country may seem daunting to many at first. Therefore, quickly adapting to new surrounding will not only put their problem solving skills to test, but their communication skills as well. Developing such skills is one of the top reasons to study abroad.

Networking

Meeting new people from different backgrounds from across the globe is one of the top reasons to study abroad. Post programme students are likely to start working either in their home country or in the host country. Networking is one element which can take students far in their struggling journey. Even though, connecting with professionals these days is just a click away, the interpersonal relations developed during the study can never go away and can be more beneficial. Studying abroad is one of the most efficient ways to create connection and work outside your home environment. Aspirants who intend to study abroad can avail opportunity to work with people from diverse backgrounds and create professional relationships overseas.

Boost Employment

Businesses are no longer confined to a geographical area, in fact, education with a global approach is the demand of the times. Therefore, businesses require people who have a deep appreciation and sensitivity to the world’s cultures, beliefs and practices. Thus, education abroad provides ample opportunities to the students and the chance to showcase hard work and get appreciated for the same. After all, employment is the ulterior motive of studying abroad. There is no denying the fact that students pursue higher studies abroad in the hope of securing a permanent job, eventually leading to better pay, disciplined life and improved standard of living.

Interestingly, a survey conducted by the Economist reveals students with international experience were more likely to be hired within six months of graduation. Hence, it is no secret that the complete idea of study abroad is meant to boost chances of employment. Students during their stay in foreign country may come across opportunities to intern with MNCs and receive on-the-job experience. The time students spend abroad may add value to their resume and the international experience that may help international students stand out in the competitive world.

Learn about another culture

Aspirants aiming to study abroad will be leaving behind their home for the first time. Even if the programme is not related to cultural or global studies, the opportunity of studying in a classroom with students from across the globe, in itself, is a learning experience. Each country has its own traditions and culture, thus studying abroad offers a peek into different cultures. Students will have an opportunity to learn in a completely different setting and thus have a better understanding of history and culture.

Travel

Travelling in a foreign country can be a life changing experience both in terms of knowledge and exposure to multi-cultural environment. As an international student, getting first-hand international experience and an opportunity to travel in the foreign country is one of the top reasons to study abroad. The complete study abroad experience teaches students to cherish diversity and dismiss stereotypes they may have held about people or a different culture. The Economist report also suggests multinational companies tend to hire students who are mobile, ready to move from their location and are not tied to one place.

Studying abroad opens up doors to various opportunities which earlier seemed closed. One of the perks of studying abroad is the abundance of student discounts which international students can avail during their stay in the foreign country, thus helping students save some extra cash. For instance, AT&T, Mobile phones service offers discounts to students whose college or university is affiliated with AT&T Business Center. Similarly, most museums will have student discounts, so before heading to a museum students must check with the authority.

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Top ten study abroad destinations of Indian students