Today, we’ll go over all the benefits of completing your higher studies abroad. First, the benefits. The benefits are plentiful, and listed below:
To pursue higher studies abroad in a developed country has long been considered a pathway to a better future. Whether it is the better study environment, the best social interactions or the better opportunities later, students learn to work with people from different cultural backgrounds as well as learn skills that will make them more employable globally. Of course, it is important that they work hard once they start pursuing their studies abroad. Then they need to make the right decisions; but they can then enjoy a better life.
But there’s another aspect of pursuing your higher studies abroad that is harder to describe. To pursue your higher studies abroad is to change yourself as a person. It definitely changes you as a person, but it’s not an immediate noticeable change, like the change you experience after going through a workout program. The change is not felt immediately, but is definitely felt after a period of time. The change in you is seen in how you deal with situations around you. Let’s look at a few situations and examine how two different people responded to them. Student A has just graduated. He completed his higher studies in the US and has traveled around the world. Then look at Student B. He has also just graduated, but he has never left his home country.
1. Both students relocated to a different part of the country for a new assignment, where the landscape, weather and culture are different.
Student A thinks: There will be a period of adjustment when I move there, after which I will get used to it. I will like some things there and hate some things there. I think the move is overall beneficial, and it is a good one.
Student B thinks: I cannot move to another part of the country. The weather, people and landscape are entirely different, and I will not be able to do well.
Student A will be able adapt faster to the conditions as a result of his outlook on the situation. He will be able to take advantage of the positive aspects of the new culture and landscape faster.
2. The Company has been bought out by a foreign competitor. The systems, processes and rules that have been in place for years are going to change.
Student A thinks: I’m excited for the change. There will be more global opportunities in the company and more chances to travel. It’s good to be exposed to another company’s processes. The resultant business process will combine the best that both companies have to offer.
Student B thinks: This is a disaster. The change could mean trouble for all. The reorganization could cause chaos that we may never recover from.
Student A will adapt faster to the new processes and systems and be able to succeed faster. He had to undergo a similar process of adaptation during his study abroad program. Student B is more resistant to change and will struggle to work with new company bosses.
3. Both students encounter a difference of opinion with a boss/coworker from a different culture.
Student A thinks: The world is a place with a diversity of opinions. People’s opinions are determined by their background, environment and education, and it’s amazing how people with different opinions may both be correct but fail to realize this because they cannot see the world from the other person’s point of view.
Student B thinks: Why can’t everyone think like I do? I’m frustrated with constantly arguing with people because I don’t agree with them.
Student A understands the point of view of the other person because he understands the culture. He is also able to better understand if the conflict is due to a difference in culture or something else. This helps him to better communicate and negotiate with his co-worker/boss. Student B is frustrated and wonders why the world is against him.
This explains why employers value global experience in today’s world. Economies of scale are changing. Developed countries are shifting from a manufacturing to a technology and service base. In general, developing countries are shifting from an agricultural to a manufacturing base. Developing countries are also having a dramatic increase in consumer spending. Ability to adapt to different cultures and situations will be very important over the next ten years. Student A is better prepared for the global economy due to completing his higher studies abroad.
There are definitely caveats to this which I will explain in the next blog post. Why in some cases completing your higher studies abroad may not be the best option, but in most cases it is.
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So you are looking to complete your higher studies abroad but you are unsure about how to fund it. Download our free guide to applying for scholarships here.