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| Why
think about STUDYING ABROAD?
Majority of the students are still bound by the myth that
education overseas is an impossible and unachievable dream.
Unlike
in the past where only a few students had access to
information on education abroad, today there is tremendous
scope and opportunity for students to seek education
at an internationally recognised University. The pursuit
of an academic program overseas is one that is both
rewarding and enriching. Rewarding in the sense that
it improves ones job prospects and enriching as it
transforms and broadens one’s outlook to life.
In broader and concise terms, here is what
STUDY ABROAD can offer you:
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Study
abroad can be an enriching and eye-opening adventure,
where learning extends to the world beyond the classroom
walls. There is no substitute for living and studying
in a foreign country if you want to gain in-depth knowledge
of another culture's customs, people, and language.
In addition, you will find that living and studying
or working in another country can develop important
transnational competencies that can be of interest to
future employers and your progression. |
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Personal
Growth
Students
who return from a study abroad program often see it
as an experience, which matured them personally and
intellectually. They praise being exposed to new ways
of thinking and living, which encourages growth and
independence. For many students, going abroad to study
is the first time they have really been away from 'home,'
from familiar surroundings of their home country, as
well as from friends and family. This is seldom an easy
experience, but it is universally praised as worthwhile,
often even life transforming. After immersing themselves
in a new culture, mastering the challenges of learning
in a new |
and different academic environment, and experiencing
the many highs and lows of being a 'foreigner,' students
typically return home with increased self-confidence
and justifiable pride in what they have achieved. In
simple words experience abroad entails an amount of
independence, as one must now rely on oneself. Most
students will find the need to do household chores,
manage their money wisely and participate in social
activities without hindering their academic performance.
The social and emotional maturity that you will begin
to gain at your University will enable you to organize
your work and personal life. These will be of primary
importance as you train yourself to become a responsible
citizen. |
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New
Perspective on World Affairs
| Study
abroad can broaden your intellectual horizons and
deepen your knowledge and understanding of international,
political, and economic issues. It is almost certain
that you will return from your sojourn abroad with
a more informed and accurate perspective on world
affairs. You will also have first-hand knowledge of
how another culture approaches the tasks and challenges
of everyday life, a sense of how 'global' the international
culture has become, and an appreciation of the importance
of international cooperation.
You
will probably also gain a broader understanding of,
and
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appreciation
for, your home country, its way of life, and its role
in international affairs. Through your professors,
the other students in your program, and people you
meet, you'll learn how others view your home country
and its world role. If you live in a country where
English is not the native language, or is spoken only
by some, you will learn the practical importance of
learning another language and using it. |
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Career
Enhancement
But
study abroad does more than promote academic enrichment
and personal growth. It also can enhance your employment
prospects, employers increasingly seek graduates who
have studied abroad. They know that students who have
successfully completed a study abroad program are
likely to possess international knowledge and often
second-language skills. Such students are also likely
to have other transnational competencies that graduate
and professional schools and employers value just
as highly: cross-cultural communication skills, analytical
skills, an understanding of and familiarity with local
customs and cultural contexts, flexibility, resilience,
and the ability to adapt to new circumstances and
deal constructively with differences. |
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What
are Your Reasons? What are Your Goals?
| After
considering these benefits, you must still ask yourself
why you, yourself, want to study abroad. Take some time
to think about your reasons, for they will become your
goals and your personal measures of success. Perhaps
you want to learn a second language, or perfect one
you already know. You might want to learn about another
culture, diversify your studies, or prepare for graduate
school. Maybe you want to travel and meet new people.
Whatever your reasons are, write them down and share
them with your professors, family, friends and, most
importantly, with us.
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| There
are a host of valid reasons for wanting to experience
foreign study. Whatever your reasons, they should be positive
ones. Study abroad should not be seen as an escape route
from problems at home or on college campus. Adjusting
to life and learning in a foreign environment will have
its stressful moments, and the more you are able to focus
on your goals, the more you're likely to benefit from
the experience. |
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