Pros and Cons of Studying Abroad

Key takeaways

• Studying abroad comes with a lot of benefits like making new friends, gaining a global perspective, opening the door to new opportunities, learning a language, gaining independence, and experiencing a new culture.
• It also has its challenges to consider, including homesickness, culture shock, language barriers, higher costs, and the possibility of needing extra semesters depending on how credits transfer.
• Before committing, you should make sure the logistics work for you by checking visa and vaccination requirements, reviewing costs, confirming academic offerings, and choosing a location that aligns with your educational goals.

Studying abroad has pros and cons that you should consider before committing to a program.

So, you’re considering studying abroad? While there are tons of positives that come with it, it might not be for everyone. Before jumping into a new adventure, let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of studying abroad. That way, when it comes time to make a decision, you can step into it with full confidence.

What is study abroad?

When students choose to study abroad, it means they will go to another country for a specified amount of time to study at a college or university. Study abroad programs can be year-long, semester-long, or even short-term summer stints. Although you will still be taking classes, it is also an opportunity to meet new people, immerse yourself in a new culture, and even learn a new language!

What are the pros and cons of studying abroad?

While studying abroad is an amazing opportunity, it is not for everyone. Before saying yes, you should weigh the benefits and disadvantages of studying abroad.

Pro: You’ll make new friends

Studying abroad is a fantastic opportunity to expand your social circle and meet new people from all over the world. Whether it’s fellow students from your own country, locals from the host country, dorm mates, or classmates, you’ll have ample opportunities to connect with diverse individuals. As you build friendships with people from different cultures and backgrounds, you can enrich your experience, create lasting memories, and potentially forge friendships that last a lifetime.

Con: You may get homesick

While studying abroad is an adventure, it can also tug at the heartstrings. Missing family, friends, and the comforts of home is totally normal. Plus, if your program is a long one, you might miss out on special occasions like birthdays and holidays. But, here’s the thing: it’s not forever. You’ll be back home before you know it, and staying connected is easier than ever with apps like Instagram, FaceTime, and Zoom.

Pro: You’ll gain a global perspective

Studying abroad may shift the way you view the world. When you see how different countries live and interact, it helps you start to see a bigger picture beyond your own world. Chances are, when you return home, you’ll see things through a new lens.

Con: You are stepping away from your campus routine

While traveling can be exhilarating, you will also have to press pause on your life back home for the time being. You will have to leave behind friends, your job, clubs, your everyday routine, and even the comfort of just knowing where everything is. It’s normal to miss the routine you are used to, but being aware of this in advance can help make your transition easier.

Pro: You’ll open the door to new opportunities

Studying abroad opens up a world of possibilities beyond the confines of your home campus. While immersing yourself in a new culture, you’ll have the chance to explore a diverse range of courses—not just the ones limited to your major. Alongside your academic pursuits, consider taking classes that offer insights into the culture and history of the country you’re visiting.

This is also a great time to network. Use this opportunity to make connections that could lead to internships or job opportunities. You could even decide to move to this country after you graduate from college. There really is no end to the possibilities that could come from studying abroad.

Con: You may experience culture shock

Exploring a new environment can certainly have its perks, yet for some, it might feel a tad overwhelming at first. Adjusting to unfamiliar surroundings, meeting new faces, and navigating through a new city can indeed be quite the undertaking. However, taking things at your own pace and leaning on the support network provided by your new college can make all the difference.

Pro: You may learn a new language

If you’ve been studying Spanish, Italian, Japanese, or another language for some time, this is a great chance to put those skills to work. Learning a foreign language in the classroom is fantastic, but many find that real mastery of the language comes from immersing themselves in it every day. By studying abroad, you can put your language skills to work day after day, honing your conversation skills and understanding.

Con: There may be a language barrier

Studying abroad absolutely helps you brush up on a studied language, but what if you haven’t studied the language at all? It can be easy to get lost and fall behind in your classes, especially if you don’t understand any of what’s being said.

With this in mind, it’s generally not recommended to study abroad in a country where you haven’t studied the language before. Classes may be taught in that language, and it could be difficult to pass if you can’t understand the teacher.

Pro: You’ll gain independence

You definitely experienced independence when you left for college, but studying abroad introduces a new meaning to the word. You will be far away from the comforts of home, navigating a new city, and communicating in a new culture. Without your family and friends, you may feel alone. This can be liberating for some students and intimidating for others. Either way, it pushes you out of your comfort zone to grow in ways you might not expect.

Con: It can be expensive

One of the main concerns about studying abroad is the cost. Between flights, housing, living expenses, and tuition, it can get expensive fast. If you are worried about affording an international program, talk to your financial aid department. They sometimes have funds that can help make it a reality for students and may be able to point you in the direction of additional aid, including scholarships and grants. Additionally, you may have the opportunity to receive federal aid for study abroad programs if you qualify.

Pro: You’ll explore new places

Yes, you will be studying while studying abroad. But don’t worry, you won’t have to hit the books for your entire program. Being somewhere new gives you the opportunity to travel and work towards your degree at the same time. There will be plenty of chances to explore, sightsee, and experience the country you’re visiting.

Con: It may require additional schooling

Studying abroad can sometimes require students to take an additional semester or even a year of extra school. This all depends on the program you choose and how the credits transfer to your degree. It is wise to meet with your academic advisor before committing to a program to see how or if your credits will transfer.

How to choose the right study abroad location

When choosing a study abroad program, weighing the benefits and challenges is important, but so are the logistics. Here are a few things to consider:

• Location: How far do you want to be from home? Are you hoping to be by the sea or in a big city? Make sure you consider the language, culture, and climate of where you will be.
• Cost: Not all countries or study abroad programs have the same costs. Make sure to look at tuition and the overall cost of living to ensure that you can make it work.
• Academic offerings: When choosing a program, you will want to ensure that it aligns with your major or academic interests. Will the credits transfer? How rigorous is the workload? These are important questions to ask before jumping in.

Preparing to study abroad

Before you sign up for a study abroad program, make sure to check with the international department to ensure it fits into your academic timeline. You may also want to chat with your academic advisor to see how it works, what credits will transfer, and if it affects your graduation timeline. You should also look into whether you will need certain visas or vaccinations before traveling. Here’s a checklist of other important tasks to consider before you take off!

Is a study abroad program for you?

As you decide if studying abroad is for you, ask yourself these questions:

• Do you love adventure?
• Does living in another country excite you?
• Are you open to new cultures?
• Could you see yourself exploring in between classes?
• Are you craving something beyond your familiar routine?

If you find yourself nodding along, then studying abroad might be for you. While there are definitely tons of pros, don’t forget to consider the cons. However, if the pros outweigh the challenges for you, then it might be time to start packing your bags!

Studying abroad can add up fast, but scholarships can make it a lot easier on your wallet. Use our FREE Scholarship Search tool to find which scholarship opportunities you may be eligible for—including study abroad ones!