More and more international students are opting to study abroad, and India is no stranger to this trend. According to the Ministry of Education, GoI, over 750 thousand Indian students chose to study overseas in 2024. This is because the benefits of studying abroad for Indian students are numerous, offering a unique opportunity to enhance personal, academic, and professional growth.
This article explores the top 10 advantages of studying abroad and how they can positively impact students' lives.
The following top 10 benefits of studying abroad will help you clear your doubts about the decision.
1. Travel & Exploration
One of the biggest advantages of studying abroad is the opportunity to travel and explore different parts of the world – experience new cultures, cities, and countries. It not only broadens your perspectives but also helps you find new avenues for personal growth.
2. Quality of Education
A world-class education is one of the biggest attractions of studying abroad. You can learn from the best in the business, at reputed institutions, and in a multicultural environment.
If you’re enrolled at a leading university, you can expect to find students from various countries. Global education lets you embrace diversity, meet people from different cultures, and learn new languages. Exposure to people from various countries will help you grow your people skills.
4. Building Lifelong Bonds
It is an invaluable opportunity to meet new people from different walks of life. You can build lasting bonds which can also help you with future networking.
Studying abroad allows you to build a diverse network of international contacts, including classmates, professors, and professionals in your field of interest. These connections can be valuable for future collaborations, career opportunities, and a broader global perspective.
6. Personal Enrichment
One of the advantages of studying abroad is it allows you to explore new places, try different cuisines, engage in exciting activities, and visit historical landmarks. These experiences broaden your horizons, create lifelong memories, and enrich your personal life.
7. Independence and Resilience
Living away from home in an unfamiliar environment requires independence and adaptability. Overcoming challenges and managing day-to-day tasks on your own enhances your self-confidence and resilience.
8.Career Prospects
Studying abroad enhances your employability by showcasing your adaptability, cross-cultural competency, and willingness to take on new challenges. Possessing international experience and a global mindset can give you a competitive edge in the job market, increasing your self-assurance.
Immersion in a foreign language environment significantly improves language skills. Indian students can master foreign languages, such as English, Spanish, French, or German, greatly enhancing their employability and broadening their professional opportunities.
10. Lifelong Memories
Studying abroad offers unforgettable experiences, such as exploring new places, participating in cultural events, and making lifelong friendships. These experiences become a source of pride and contribute to your overall self-confidence and personal growth.
Top Universities to Study Abroad
The top universities for studying abroad may vary based on various factors such as the course of study, personal preferences, and the latest rankings. However, some of the consistently well-regarded universities for international students include:
Choosing Graduate/PostGraduate Study Abroad Program
Choosing UG Study Abroad Program
Look for subjects that motivate you or which are inclined with your interests. However, keep the job-oriented aspect in mind. Some of the top careers in recent times revolve around engineering, technology, analytics, finance, computer science, IT, law, and fashion design, among others.
Check all admission requirements at universities. Most institutions will evaluate your scores in Class XII, language proficiency tests, etc.
Examine the language that the programs are taught in. Some majors may require proficiency in a foreign language, especially if that is the language of instruction.You can choose English-taught degrees to avoid this difficulty.
Plan out your finances and costs of study in advance. Check everything from tuition fees to living costs and miscellaneous expenses.
Do your research on the ranking and reputation of the university
Find out if credits earned in earlier qualifications are transferable.
Look at aspects like safety, campus activities, leisure attractions, etc.
Research student visa guidelines and application deadlines.
Choosing PG Study Abroad Program
Research the best universities worldwide for your chosen subject of interest.
Always check academic eligibility guidelines, including English language proficiency tests, GPA criteria, and standardized examinations like GMAT or GRE.
Check student visa guidelines, probable tuition costs, scholarships, etc.
Look for study areas or courses which can get you jobs in the country.
Find out the scope of a particular field in your chosen country, the job opportunities available, hiring data, and the pathway toward citizenship or work visas.
Learn more about on-campus and off-campus part-time work opportunities for international students.
Look for internships, industry interfaces, and other perks offered by the university.
Keep in mind the application deadlines above all else.
Benefits of Pursuing an Undergraduate Degree Abroad
Getting a full-time bachelor’s degree abroad will increase your confidence and self-sufficiency. You will experience everything from learning how to interact in a foreign country, setting up a bank account, applying for a visa, grocery shopping, fending for yourself, etc. You will become more self-reliant and independent as a result.
Studying abroad will naturally add special skill sets and attributes to your resume. Your foreign degree means exposure to more cultures and environments outside your comfort zone. You will learn to build relationships with people from multifarious backgrounds, and cross-cultural communication skills will be highly valued in the global job market.
A foreign degree could be cost-effective in some cases, considering many grants and scholarships as well. Many universities globally reduce their tuition costs to gain more students, while some countries have robust public institutions (Germany, for example), which hardly charge any fees.
Getting a foreign degree gives you insights into a whole new education system. You will naturally experience a new dimension of learning.
You will love learning a foreign language when you are studying abroad (only if you are interested), even if your primary course is English.
You will build and expand your global connections and network, which may come in handy for getting jobs after post-graduation.
A big bonus is that you will be able to travel while studying. You can explore many new countries (in Europe) or cities and towns. Being a local, you can do it at lower prices than otherwise!
Benefits of Pursuing Post-Graduate Degree Abroad
You can always aim to do your master’s at a top-ranked global university, meaning better learning, faculty, and infrastructure.
You can always experience the benefits of enhanced foreign language and communication skills, especially of the cross-cultural variety.
An international postgraduate degree or diploma will naturally get your CV/resume noticed in the global job market. Wherever you work, you will always be backed by globally acknowledged PG degrees to make it easier to find employment.
If you are into research and academics, a stint abroad for your PG will open newer vistas to you as well.
You can build valuable connections, especially if you are studying a job-oriented master’s course.
You can always work part-time, gaining even more experience as a result. It will also help you offset some of your living costs, at least.
Developing adaptability and problem-solving skills
Experiencing new cuisines, traditions, and lifestyles
Access to unique study programs and research facilities
Opportunities for travel and exploration
Improved language skills and intercultural communication abilities
Ques: Are there any financial benefits to studying abroad?
Ans: While studying abroad may involve costs, such as tuition fees, accommodation, and travel expenses, it can also offer financial advantages. Some countries provide scholarships, grants, or work opportunities for international students. Additionally, studying abroad can be an investment in your future, as the international experience and skills gained may increase your earning potential and career prospects.
Ques: How does studying abroad enhance academic and career opportunities?
Studying abroad can provide access to top-ranked universities and specialized programs in your field of interest. It allows you to learn from renowned professors, gain exposure to different teaching methods, and engage with diverse perspectives. International experience on your resume can make you stand out to employers, demonstrating qualities such as adaptability, cultural competence, and global awareness.
Gauri Agrawal is a passionate, professional and proactive content marketer who wants to grow in the field of content creation.
She carries a rich experience of working in the Digital News sector with renowned names like Times Now Digital, and News X as a Copy Editor.
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