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Study Abroad for Bachelors’ or Masters’ degree?

So, you have decided that you want to study abroad? You have heard enough negatives about the education system in your country; how it is too theoretical and too competitive. The lack of infrastructure hurts the quality of education and research. And you also want to differentiate yourself from your peers. You have graduated or are about to graduate from school. But do you stick it out at home for four more years or go abroad right now? Well, there are pros and cons to both; and I have my strong opinion on this at the end. It also depends on other variables like quality of university, affordability of education and country’s immigration system.

Pros

  1. You are getting a better quality of education in most cases. So, you would be better prepared for a Masters’ (in the same country) or the workforce once you graduate.
  2. If you are applying for a Masters’ in USA, Canada, Australia or Europe; a Bachelors’ in a top quality educational institution in the same country will make it easier for your Masters’ application. This is because your Bachelors’ degree will be recognized by the Masters’ institution.

Cons

  1. The cost of education and cost of living in an advanced economy will be much higher than at home. It is not affordable for most people. Undergraduate students generally do not obtain scholarships.
  2. If you don’t attend a top quality undergraduate institution and you fail to get a job abroad, you may find it harder to get a job back home. If your institution is not well recognized globally, it probably will not be recognized in your home country. Also, most of the recruiting occurs on undergraduate campuses. So that makes it much harder.
  3. You are not very aware of how the job market works; and which fields are in demand and growing. So you may not make the best career decisions at 18. Four more years may give you a better idea of how things work.

Summary

        In my opinion based on talking to several colleagues and students, the extra investment in doing an Undergraduate education does not generally offer an extra benefit. If two students get into the same Masters’ program, the Undergraduate program is irrelevant. You should only consider an Undergraduate program if:
  1. You get into a top ranked global institute. The university is ranked within the top 50 in the US; or top 100 globally.
  2. You or your family can easily afford the high costs of education.