Studying abroad has now become a global phenomenon, this decade alone has probably seen the mass efflux of young Nigerians abroad than any other. Studying abroad admittedly has so many benefits; in fact one may be tempted to say it has no disadvantage at all. So much effort and money is often expended on studying abroad especially when there are no scholarships, but is it really all rosy? Is the stress and money worth it? These are some of the disadvantages you might want to consider before choosing to study abroad
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- If you will study effectively you must at least be able to understand the language in which your lessons are taught. Therefore the first disadvantage to consider is that of language barrier. Most countries in Europe are not English speaking (only the UK and Gibraltar are), Lessons would be in the local language. To socialize effectively you would also need to communicate well with colleagues neighbors and people generally. Language barrier is a great disadvantage and a very important point to consider while choosing to travel abroad, so if you will not be interested in learning a new language, you might want to consider putting your focus only on English speaking countries.
- Living in another country means that you’re going to be in a different culture than you’re used to, People often find it difficult to adjusting to the change in culture, the way of life, the food, the transportation system and Many other inevitable changes. Inability to adjust good cause anxiety or frustration, this would in turn cause stress, making it difficult to focus on studying
- Studying abroad may be intimidating. Students often feel alone because of the new environment and the lack of social connection, friends and family. This is even more stressful for students who have never been on their own before, just like the previous point, this feeling of loneliness could cause stress anxiety and frustration
- Perhaps the most notable disadvantage of studying abroad is the huge expense. Studying abroad brings a huge financial responsibility and the burden. Tuition fee is very expensive, then there’s the cost of living, The cost of food, the cost of accommodation and other important utilities and needs. A good scholarship program would be of help in this situation but you must note that not all scholarship covers all your expenses and not every student is lucky enough to gain a scholarship
- There are schools whose degree Nigeria would not recognize and accept as valid. Great care must be taken to do all necessary researches to ensure that’s money and effort is not expended in vain
- It is extremely difficult to get post- education work visas. Majority of those who travel abroad to study plan to stay back after their study, get a job and earn some money before returning to your home country, The condition for work visas in most countries are so stringent that it is next to impossible to get one.
Thankfully, there are ways around most of these disadvantages, These solutions are considered in the paragraphs below.
- The problem of the language barrier can be easily solved by choosing to study in a country that speaks English. This means that your search for institutions would be limited to The United states and probably the United Kingdom. There are however countries that are not English speaking but still make special arrangements for foreigners to take their classes in English, an example is China. You would out ever be required to take lessons in the local language, take your tests and pass it successfully.
- Difficulty in fitting into a new culture is easily solved. There are always groups on the ground that are ready to assist a new foreign student to fit in, In most cases you would find other students from Nigeria Or from Africa also in these institutions. If you are the religious type you will definitely find religious groups like churches and mosques where you’ll be readily accepted and there you would find all the social connection that you need to start up your new life. We know that there’s so much evil in the world, but even in the midst of that there are still good people all around and you would definitely find people who would be willing to offer help in one way or another.
- The problem of costs cannot be totally eradicated, but there are structures that’s each institution has put in place to assist students financially. So if you don’t have a scholarship or your scholarship doesn’t cover the full costs of your expenses, you can make some research and find out how the school can help in the form of loans or work study programs. You would also have to maintain a strict budget buying only things that you absolutely need, saving as much as possible.
- If your host country is reluctant to grant you a work visa, a popular strategy is to apply for jobs in neighboring countries. For example you’ve completed your study in the US; you could apply for jobs in Canada or Germany or any other European country. This way, you’re not returning to Nigeria. It is more difficult to get a foreign job from Nigeria than to get it in your host country.
Finally, these disadvantages should not discourage you for what is life without a few difficulty and you must know that’s the benefits of studying abroad strongly outweighs any disadvantage, so do all necessary research and plan for every eventuality.
