The Pros & Cons of Studying Abroad as a Freshman

Students often go for the experience of studying abroad in their junior and senior years of college. But there are special programs for freshmen that you might want to consider.

Before making a decision, you should contact your university’s office to inquire about the programs being offered and all the other details you require. For example, if you wish to pursue advanced math in Sydney, then contact maths tutor Sydney.

Remember that while studying away from your home can seem very daunting, the time spent can actually be amazing and fun-filled. To ensure that, we have prepared a list of pros and cons list. Let’s have a look!

Pros of Studying Abroad

Help you know yourself

As much as it sounds unusual, studying abroad actually helps you know your own culture better. When you are interacting with your peers and introducing yourselves, you might get asked questions like:

- What is the origin of the language you speak?
- What is this festival in your country?

All this curiosity about your culture will make you study more about it and appreciate it.

Broadens your mindset

When you are a part of another culture and living amongst people who have different values and traditions, you become more accepting of diversity.

Meeting people from different parts of the world helps you understand them, their problems, and their goodness. This helps you treat all human beings as one.

Learning a new skill

Learning a new language has to be the best part of studying abroad. Speaking languages other than your own is an appreciated skill, especially in the corporate world.

It will help you communicate with people. It will also make it possible for you to deal with international clients, or land a job that requires appreciation for that language.

Makes you responsible

At home, your day-to-day routine and decisions are influenced by your parents or guardian but moving abroad gives you the independence and autonomy that you’ve always wanted.

Other aspects of living alone, such as paying rent, managing work and studies, and having no one else to depend on but yourself make you very responsible.

Adds to your worth

Studying abroad as a freshman is a challenging experience and by the end of the journey, you will be a person who knows how to problem solve. This is one of the essential qualities that a reputable firm looks for when short-listing a big list of candidates who have applied for the job.

Cons of Studying Abroad

Experiencing FOMO (fear of missing out)

Being so far away from your friends and family can be very emotionally challenging. You might miss many life and social events like birthdays, weddings, graduation ceremonies, and trips.

This can cause FOMO to sink in. There is also a possibility that you lose connections with your friends but all of it depends upon how you manage your relationships.

Finding a safe locality

Living in an unknown country, you want to keep yourself safe from any possible danger. The last thing you want to experience is being scammed by someone or being stalked on your way to your residence. Finding a safe area to live can be difficult but with time and research, you can find yourself amazing neighbors.

Language barrier

The language barrier is another disadvantage of studying abroad. Communication is an essential part of learning and socializing.

Not being able to take part in conversations can be stressful and you might face problems fitting in. The difference in food, traditions, fashion, and transportation might give you a cultural shock which may give you anxiety and stress.

Expensive

Studying abroad is very expensive. It is not just tuition fees that you have to worry about but additional expenses like accommodation, utility bills, groceries, transportation, and medical can be a lot for you to manage.

The average cost of living in Europe is around $1190-$1900, Australia $1800-$2900, and China $850-$1700. Student loans and scholarships can help you with the tuition fees to minimize the burden.

Taking grades for granted

For a lot of people, living alone makes them responsible but for a few, it is an opportunity to live a lifestyle that requires a lot of time and attention. Lack of an environment that lets you focus can lead to a decrease in motivation to study. Sometimes the grades of students start plummeting due to extensive procrastination and distraction.