Why You Should Study Abroad

Peer group interactions while working for a project are the single best part of overseas higher education.  Most of the universities ensure that the groups are formed with a heterogeneous mix of students, in terms of their nationality/culture and gender.  For an outsider, one may think- “how on earth can they come up with something productive, if they can hardly understand each other?”  The reality however is contrary, and for better.  These students are like-minded, in the sense that they have come together to pursue the same degree.  This common interest creates a sort of a bond, which transcends all the other barriers.  These students come with their own unique skills, talents, and knowledge.  Each of them brings a different perspective and a different approach to the same problem.  When part of a group, it presents an opportunity like none other for them to learn from each other, develop skills that others are good at. etc. Through this experience, they become a better version of themselves (this can be thought of as similar to a software update).  Networking with students from varied backgrounds opens the door to loads of opportunities.  In terms of connecting with people who share a similar career interest, only sky is the limit.  Who knows?  Soon, you may find the job of your dreams, thanks to the relationships you cultivated at the university.  

Coming to the question of which destinations are the best for studying abroad, it depends on your field of study and your budget.  For management studies, London and Paris are some of the best destinations, apart from the U.S.A.  They have a plethora of top notch B-schools, the world’s best faculty, and the course content is structured in a way that is highly relevant to the demands of the industry.  Top B-schools have the curriculum framed with a near perfect blend of theory/concepts and case studies, which is what sets them apart.  These universities are improving every year.  By upgrading their syllabus, their grading and evaluation scheme, and the aim of bridging the gap between what they learn at school and the assignments, students will soon take on the corporate world.  In times of COVID, the online mode of education has been a subject of scrutiny among critics, but the universities have left no stone unturned in ensuring that the virtual classroom environment nearly resembles the face to face one, with absolutely no compromise on the quality of the content of the lectures.  There’s no denying the fact that students would find it easier to work on group projects in a face to face setting, but one should take no credit away from them, as they have risen to the challenge and co-operated very well.  They’ve made the best possible use of the online resources (video conference

apps, shared online doc/slides editing etc.) available to them.  All this is in stark contrast to ones who are stuck in their comfort zones, and unwilling to come to terms with the ever changing world.

In hindsight, one may rue their missed chances, if they wish to stay in their comfort zones.  Having said that, students should never let go of the opportunity to study abroad.  On a lighter note, students would also enjoy their time abroad, as they would get to visit places they’ve only seen on T.V. all their lives, explore new and exciting wonders of nature, in a land far away from their hometown, try different cuisines… the list is long.  You can only do this in your twenties, before life’s commitments rob you of experiencing these little things in life, that can leave you with lifelong memories.  Study abroad, to better yourself, and the world.