View the globe! Discover different cultures! Get to know other intrepid people! These are but a few of the explanations for why a large number of college students decide to study overseas instead of returning to their home campuses. But hold on, wouldn’t it be possible to achieve the same goals by just going on your own, outside of the classroom? Now, the question is, Is it better to just vacation or study abroad?
Naturally, there are advantages to both, but before choosing to pursue your education or even simply yourself abroad, it’s critical to weigh the pros and drawbacks. Regardless of what you decide to do, weighing the advantages and disadvantages will help you determine what matters most and how to maximize your experience.
Please note that this article’s suggestions and examples are based on the assumption that you have to travel alone or with friends, not that you are organizing a group holiday or arranging a family outing. Those are quite different experiences that belong in a different essay!
Is It Worthwhile To Study Abroad?
Generally speaking, the great majority of students who study overseas attest that it is definitely well worth it! One of the best ways to broaden your views and complete your degree program is to study abroad.
Strong friendships and eye-opening experiences are two of the most positive things that returning student travelers mention as a result of their time spent overseas. But, given the time and financial commitment needed for the trip, students who are thinking of studying abroad might question whether the experience will truly help them in the end, both academically and professionally.
Speaking of which, many prospective travelers may find studying abroad prohibitively expensive because the total cost can frequently be higher than that of an entire semester on school. Financial aid for studying abroad is fortunately widely available, including work-study programs, merit scholarships, and needs-based grants.
There is evidence to support putting your education on the road when it comes to whether it is ultimately ” deserving of it.” According to research by the Institute of International Education (IIE), students who studied abroad thought the experience improved their chances of landing a job, increased their professional networks, and strengthened important 21st-century abilities like independence, flexibility, compromise, and problem-solving.
5 Distinctions Between Independent Travel And Study Abroad
A lot of college students and recent graduates study abroad because they have a strong desire to travel, but the experience is about more than just seeing the world. When choosing between studying abroad and traveling on your own, keep your priorities in mind. There are some significant distinctions between the two.
1.) There are academic responsibilities when studying overseas.
It’s obvious from the name: doing your homework is still required when studying abroad. It is likely that the program you have selected provides courses that count toward your degree in addition to extracurricular enrichment like cultural immersion.
Traveling for academic purposes is not only a holiday; for many, it revitalizes their passion of learning or at the very least provides a change of pace from their home campus routine. Contrarily, independent travel does not often entail obligations beyond ensuring one’s own safety, treating others with respect, and going from one place to another.
2.) Who is in command?
Studying abroad can be done in a variety of ways, such as by applying directly to a foreign university (or through a partner program at your own university) or by taking part in a third-party program which manages all the details, including housing, food, and extracurricular activities.
You are still working inside an established framework while you study abroad, be it the program’s or the school’s, and as such, you are required to abide by a code of behavior.
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Generally, when you travel alone, your sole accountability is to yourself and your own desires as long as you don’t go with a formal travel group like Road Scholar or Atlas Obscura guided trips.
3.) The type of travel influences the cost
If you study abroad via a third party or your own university, you should be aware of all the costs associated with the program up front so you can plan for any unforeseen costs and, in the event that you need it, apply for the proper financial help.
A study abroad program headquartered in the United States typically costs more than $16,000 each semester, while fees for programs run by colleges and universities and those run by third parties differ significantly.
Program costs might cover housing, certain meals, ground transportation within the nation, and extracurricular activities; however, other costs like study materials, flights, and travel insurance are probably going to be incurred. To help cover the total expense, a lot of student travelers use grants, loans, and scholarships.
Instead of having a neat, program fee, when you travel solo, you will probably need to figure out how much each individual charge will cost. There are numerous methods to travel on a tight budget if you have freedom of choice, but always have extra money on hand in case of emergencies or unforeseen costs.
4.) Reflect on your ultimate objectives
Whether you truly want to study overseas or take a post-graduation trip counts. Why are you traveling abroad? What are your goals?
Maybe visiting other countries will improve your academic performance on its own. For example, an Environmental Science major may benefit from a semester spent on an ocean research vessel to better comprehend the effects of climate change, while a French major may benefit from a language immersion program to finish their degree more quickly.
However, if your ultimate objective is to travel only for the love of traveling, think carefully about whether you want to travel with the burden of academic obligations.
5.) Could you list it on your CV?
Employers prefer to see individuals with this kind of experience, thus many students are urged to study overseas. Although this might be the case for some businesses, your use of time is more important.
Consider whether your time overseas will improve your schooling in a way that will increase your competency or knowledge in your profession, rather than just using it as a talking point for your CV. Will it assist you in developing vital interpersonal skills that are applicable in any kind of workplace? Or would it present you with the chance to work on humanitarian projects like constructing shelters or enhancing sanitary facilities?
Even if they may seem exciting, travel experiences might not have a significant impact on your future profession. However, any job candidate should strive to learn relevant information and be able to assist others.
The most crucial thing is to explore the world, regardless of whether you decide to study abroad or just do independent trips!
Conclusion
Study abroad options are abundant and might range from strictly academic to unconventional to service-based, or even a mix of all three. Whatever path you decide on, spending time experiencing life outside of your daily routine can broaden your perspective, teach you how to be independent, and offer you completely exclusive chances that aren’t available to you at home.