The Benefits of Getting a College Education in Another Country

Choosing the right college and degree, is a constant pre-occupation of millions of people throughout the World. But what if you are making another decision- whether to study abroad or in your home country?

Traditionally there has always been a high percentage of students who choose to study outside their country, and this number has steadily increased in an era of globalization.

In the early 2000's, this movement was towards the developed countries, which were mainly Australia, Britain, Canada, Germany, Japan, and the USA. But as the global economy changed, there were also regional educational hubs like Egypt, India and Singapore.

Students went to these nations to primarily study, perhaps also work to pay for their degree, with a plan to probably stay permanently after graduating. Students on government sponsored programs usually came to gain knowledge, and establish a relationship between both countries.

Economic events, and the need to pay more for an education have changed this recent trend, towards a potential student focusing on studying where they can still find work, and perhaps after graduating stay and do business/or work.

This has led to a trend where the best Universities in Australia, Asia, Europe and North America still attract paying students, but middle income students are focusing on growing regional hubs like Brazil, China, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, Russia, and Singapore.

So what are the advantages of studying abroad?

It really all depends on what you expect from studying in another country, whether it is the experience of living in another place, the specialized skill's you learn, or the affordability of a degree compared to an equivalent university course in your home country.

A Vietnamese student could benefit from studying management in a Malaysian or Singaporean University, because there is a pressing need for specialized Asian managers in their home country. And there is always a chance they can work for a regional multinational, after graduating.

Students from the once affluent Europe and United States, also are slowly choosing the option of being educated in some of these regional hubs. One reason is the lower cost, but another is that they could be connected to local businesses that are expanding globally.

Language students on the other hand benefit greatly from studying in a country were the first language is the choice of study. Many students study in Chinese and Japanese Universities, because they become more fluent and develop a cultural understanding of the language. The same applies for undergraduates who study in English speaking countries.

If you are considering studying in another country, you may have to consider five factors:

• Can you afford it, without working?
• Are there grants or scholarships available?
• What can I learn from the experience?
• Can I adjust to the new culture?
• Are there any support systems for you in that country?

If your decision is based on economic reasons, like finding a better job in the country or starting a new life after graduating, you may have to compromise and choose a subject which opens up future career opportunities- both at home and abroad.

Students, who have to pay for their own education, and live in a high cost country, could benefit if they choose to study in a regional educational hub, because of lower college fees, and living costs. There are for example UK universities offering identical degree programs in most Asian countries like China, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The degree is the same, except you study in another country.

As long as our world stays connected, people will study in another country, and often become successful after graduating. If you feel this is the right route to take, then you are following in the same footsteps as millions of former students, who have benefited from this decision.