Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying Abroad

Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying Abroad

You might have read some of my Studying Saturdays series and are aware of my times studying abroad down the years. I still find it hard to believe that I have studied and passed courses in five different countries, with some more planned. I’d love to have a crack (ov) at learning Polish or Russian someday too. Here are some of my previous studying articles:

• Learning Spanish at the Academia in Montevideo, Uruguay
• Getting my RSA and RCG in Sydney, Australia
• Learning Cantonese at the Hong Kong University
• Reflection on my days at Bournemouth University, England
• Return to my Primary School in Northern Ireland

My Short Course in Cantonese at the Chinese University of Hong Kong

When you move to a new city to study abroad, it can be exciting and worrying at the same time. SOmetimes you excel at the language, can speak well and can write sentences in another language. Other times, you forget the words you want to say, you might need an essay writer helper and you end up using Google translate. It can be frustrating and exhilarating, and sad and happy. It will be a rollercoaster or emotions and experiences. My best advice is go and do it, grasp the opportunity with both hands, don’t be scared of anything and enjoy yourself! The most important thing is to HAVE FUN and meet other people!

Have fun on your journey!

There are lots of advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad and here are just a few of them, that I wanted to highlight.

Advantages of Studying Abroad
– Immersed in local culture
– Experiencing a new culture
– Independent and free
– Self motivated
– Making new friends from many different cultures
– Learning to adapt to budgeting in other economies
– Time management

Making new friends

Disadvantages of Studying Abroad
– Adjusting to local culture
– Missing your family
– Finding a new job can be stressful
– Learning a new language can be frustrating
– Homesickness (often caused by not being busy)

Selling ice cream in England

Other tips for studying abroad, I always tell people NOT to put your education first. Please put enjoying yourself FIRST. You need to be happy. Once you are happy and in a good environment, the education comes naturally and your level always raises and you will easily get through your course. Whether it’s learning a language, doing a degree or getting a professional qualification you can use for work. Plus if you get too busy, there are companies to help you through it. You might need stress management, you might need a company which can do your essay, or even a mentor to help you study. I had help during my degree in Bournemouth, my journalism course in Belfast and when learning Spanish and Cantonese.

My teacher Gaston in Montevideo, Uruguay

There are many challenges to be faced and through the years I have relished these challenges on my many trips abroad and many times studying in lands afar. Once the Euro 2016 football tournament is out of the way, I plan to do some more studying of some description. Let’s see where I end up!

Who knows where I will end up next!