IELTS Task 2 Sample Answer 29 - More and more students are choosing to study at colleges and universities in foreign countries. Do the benefits of studying abroad outweigh the drawbacks?

Approach 1: Advantages outweigh disadvantages

Globalization has broadened the horizon of education. It can be seen that the number of students who choose to study in foreign colleges and universities has increased significantly. In my perspective, the merits of this trend are far more than its demerits.

The foremost advantage of pursuing studies in foreign countries is that it provides quality education wherein a student would be introduced to new ways of learning. Advanced learning techniques provided by such foreign universities in terms of up-to-date curriculum, high-tech classes and expertise teachers widen the knowledge of a person and qualify him to meet with the competitive demands of the changing environment through. This in turn increases the chances of employability.

Furthermore, such universities offer various courses in different areas of study thereby acting as a platform for a student to specialize in his area of interest which may not be available in his home country. Graduating in his area of preference would help him to choose a job based on his interest that would help to achieve job satisfaction which may not be found in a person who is forced to take up a course because of limited options available in the home country.

Nevertheless, some students may find difficulty in adapting to the foreign surroundings and culture. This may have adverse impacts on their studies leading to unsuccessful completion of the course. In such situations, the chances of falling into financial crisis are more likely since the cost of education is comparatively high.

To sum up, many students these days prefer to have a foreign graduation. Despite a few drawbacks, an international education deepens the learning experience and moulds a better career for a person.

Approach 2: Disadvantages outweigh advantages

The field of education has witnessed a lot of changes in the past few decades. Nowadays, a number of students opt to go abroad for their studies. Though this trend brings some benefits, I believe the drawbacks associated with international education are more than its merits.

Firstly, the cost of education is high when a person chooses to pursue his education in a foreign country and a person also has to meet with the living expenses during his period of study which adds on to his financial burden. In order to meet with the cost of education and living cost, he may be forced to take a loan. Since there is no assurance in securing a job after the completion of the course, it would be difficult for them to repay the loan leading to financial liability.

Moreover, the person travelling to a foreign land for studies would be compelled to adapt with the local culture. This can have detrimental effects on a person’s psychological health which is not a favorable condition for the successful completion of studies resulting in loss of time and money. In addition, the degree obtained from some foreign colleges may not have a global recognition.

However, by studying in a foreign country a person can broaden his perspectives through the various life experiences in a foreign nation and also there would be an option to pursue a course which may not be available in the homeland.

To conclude, education is the fundamental element required for a successful life.  Though overseas education has gained popularity in the recent days, the disadvantages of pursuing studies in foreign universities outweigh the advantages.