Education is an integral part of growth and development. Since childhood, we are all introduced to letters, numbers, formulas, theories, and a vast pull of knowledge as a part of education. We read books, understand concepts, practice what we have learned and write exams that determine our progress. But do you think books are the only tools that can provide us with enough knowledge? While books or conventional education hones our critical thinking, IQ grooms us to speak, write and express ourselves fluently; meeting new people, exploring new places, and understanding different cultures helps us develop as human beings. These experiences strengthen our communication and social skills and teach us different life skills. Thus, it is always for the greater good if students get a chance to study abroad. Studying abroad will not only allow them to experience world-class education but also expose them to different people, languages, and cultural diversity. But when should a student attempt to study abroad? Do they need to go after completing their school or should they only pursue higher education like Masters and Ph.D. abroad?
This blog will help you understand which is the right time to go abroad to pursue education.
Let us understand first how studying abroad after the 12th can make a great impact on students’ lives.
Advantages of Studying Abroad After Class 12th
Here are the top reasons why students must choose to pursue undergrad abroad.
Overseas admissions are more holistic
Most foreign universities offer a more flexible admission process than Indian universities. The Indian university admission scenario is highly competitive and grade-oriented. It is quite difficult to gain admission to well-recognized universities if the student is not extraordinary all along.
Universities abroad deliver quality education and empower students with a more skill-oriented education. If students take an interest in a lot of activities and do not limit themselves to academia, admissions abroad would be easier.
Application-based academic opportunity
In India, students are introduced to theory education vastly. But education is only holistic where students get the chance to apply those theories to practical knowledge. Education abroad bestows students with an opportunity to receive excellent hands-on learning experiences. Thus, if students choose to pursue graduation abroad, that can be the best academic experience, and they grow interested in research and higher studies as well.
Develop personal and managerial skills
Studying abroad for an undergrad program equips students with intercultural communication skills and independent management. The diverse experiences also invoke maturity in young minds and help them to survive in a culturally distinct environment. All of these skills are mandatory requirements to become job-ready.
Starting early at an undergraduate level provides students with a fair edge and more opportunities to build on these valuable skills.
Access to advanced technology and facilities
Education abroad is well-equipped with modern-age learning facilities. Students who aim to pursue science, IT, or engineering for their graduation must choose countries abroad to leverage technological advancements. Access to state-of-the-art research centers and technology can be a great learning opportunity for students.
Lucrative career options
For students who have dilemmas about their career options, education abroad can be the key to the solution. Overseas education offers bachelor’s courses of 3-4 years. These courses are flexible in terms of exploration and experimentation.
Students can take up courses in the fields that interest them, and decide their major and minor afterward. Such flexibility can help learners gain career clarity through practical exposure.
An ideal job has an international element
Students can move one step ahead if they choose to opt for UG overseas program. It gives students better international engagement. For example, if the student aims to pursue a career in the fashion industry, Paris would take him/her some steps up the ladder.
Advantages of Studying Abroad After Graduation
Now let’s learn about the advantages of studying abroad after graduation.
A degree less expensive
When students look at overseas education in mathematical terms, a PG degree abroad seems less expensive than a UG degree in the same country. The PG degree often costs less because the postgraduate course is shorter than the UG course.
If a student is not choosing MBA abroad which is very expensive, the tuition fees and admission fees are cheaper for other PG courses than existing UG courses. This is the reason it becomes easier for students to pay off their education loans and expenses on their own if they choose to pursue post-graduation abroad.
Clear and calculated goals at the PG stage
Students who aim to receive a PG degree abroad can be older than UG students. The extra years in their native countries allow them to grow up and climb through the first rungs of their professional journey. Students can also know more about themselves and their careers.
By the time a learner gets into a PG, they grow much surer about what they want from their career and the direction they are headed in. Such clarity about career goals helps students avoid mistakes in choosing the course, and potentially wasting time, effort, and money on a course that was not a right fit.
Better networking opportunities
While in an undergrad program, exposure to the industry is limited for students, a post-grad program expands their networking circle by connecting them with professionals across the globe. Networking can further help them a lot in their professional career.
Short-term programs – an edge after graduation
Students who aim to add some extra advantage to their education with international exposure yet wish to get back to their motherland can opt for many short-term courses to enrich their professional curve. These can be an alternative to the PG degree and can be very job-specific as well.
Challenges of Studying Abroad After Class 12th
In the previous phase of the blog, we talked about the advantages of pursuing graduation and post-graduation abroad. It is time to understand what are the challenges of studying abroad after the 12th.
Lack of clarity on career goals can be a hindrance
Students who lack a career objective must be careful to choose to go abroad to pursue graduation. It is always better to invest in overseas education only when the student is completely sure of his/her choice. Students, confused about their career prospects and goals better plan education abroad differently.
The overseas admission process is not straightforward
During school, not many students plan in time to engage in extracurricular and other activities that can ease their admission process abroad. However, college can be a good time to gather these certificates, build a profile and prepare for standardized exams to get into the dream overseas university after graduation.
Challenges of Studying Abroad After Graduation
Here are some potential pitfalls of going overseas for education after graduation.
Working abroad after a post-Graduation is not always easy
This has emerged as an important factor since some countries do not offer jobs to foreign students after they complete their education. Thus, before students take the plunge, they must check the job market and immigration rules in their chosen country of study.
Some postgraduate degrees may not be acceptable/transferable in the student’s home country
If a student is planning to go back to their native land after receiving a foreign degree, he/she must ensure that the international degree is accepted in their native country and allow him/her to get jobs leveraging that degree.
For example, countries in Europe (such as the UK) have the norm of 1-year master’s degree. In India, 1-year-master’s degrees are not widely accepted.
Pursuing education abroad can surely expand professional horizons and help students add new perspectives to their education. However, it is better for students to carefully evaluate their options and choose one that is in sync with their career goals and preferences. Students can get in touch with the academic experts of Turito and get the necessary guidance to ace their academic goals.
