With over 30,000 universities around the world, students have a vast array of opportunities to choose from. Each university varies – from different program lengths and requirements, different prerequisites, campuses, course offerings, and more, it can be difficult to narrow down which university is right for you. Once you’ve considered different factors for each university, it’s also important to decide whether you want to study abroad or locally.

4.3 million students are enrolled in post-secondary institutions outside of their home country, with Australia, England, Switzerland, New Zealand, and Austria hosting the majority of them. Of those studying abroad, Asian students represent 53%, with most hailing from China, India, or Korea.

There are many factors why students choose to study internationally. Here are the most common ones:

#1. Gain a global perspective

Studying abroad means exposing yourself to a different country, which allows you to experience a different culture, cuisine, and lifestyle. You’ll also meet students from other countries, which can broaden your horizons and lead to international connections.

#2. Gain independence and self-reliance

Studying far from home means being on your own and learning how to take care of yourself without familial support. This could mean learning to cook, maintaining dorm cleanliness, understanding taxes and other legal documents, and maintaining visas or study permits. By learning how to support yourself, you’ll gain valuable skills for the future.

#3. Gain cultural sensitivity and tolerance

Living at home makes you sensitive to certain beliefs and practices, but studying abroad will expose you to different practices and customs worldwide. Through this exposure, you’ll gain a sense of appreciation for other cultures and communities, as well as a deeper understanding of how the world works around you.

#4. Gain career opportunities

When it comes to career opportunities, an international degree will carry more weight than a degree closer to home because of the connotations associated with it. Studying abroad doesn’t simply signify privilege and opportunity, but independence, cultural awareness, and worldwide connections. 

Despite all these advantages of studying abroad, why might studying locally be better?

#1. It’s cost effective

Studying abroad is a privilege, even for those who receive full scholarships, which often only covers tuition. You’ll also need to consider room and board, food costs, transportation, school supplies, and other costs like phone bills, entertainment, and visas or study permits. By studying locally, you can save money and still experience living away from home by staying at the university dormitory or moving out.

#2. You still experience a new environment

University is vastly different from high school, so no matter which university you choose, you will still be exposed to a new environment. Studying abroad presents more obstacles, especially if you choose a university where classes are taught in a different language, or you are unfamiliar with their traditions and customs. Over time, you’ll be accustomed to these changes, but if you think studying abroad presents too many challenges at once, consider studying locally first, and then participate in an exchange program.

#3. Co-op opportunities are local

While emphasizing the importance of international connections, having local connections can connect you to corporations or businesses that have a domestic presence. This allows you to work with companies close to home, which can provide an additional sense of security. Although it is valuable to work for an international company, you will also be competing with students who have a home advantage. Plus, if you are hired by the company, you’ll have additional research to conduct about work visas or permits, looking for housing outside of university, and potentially integrating in the community.

#4. Your community is familiar but new

As mentioned, university is a new environment with few familiar faces, if any classmates from high school are attending the same school as you. For some students, having familiarity can be comforting, and it encourages you to step outside of your comfort zone but you have a safety net to fall back on. If you choose to study abroad, however, there won’t be a safety net, and it may be difficult for you to find friends or make connections easily, especially if there’s a language barrier or cultural disconnect.

Studying abroad or locally both offer advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which one is valuable to you and your future prospects. Post-secondary education exists to help you advance your future, so no matter what you pick, be sure it can help you achieve your goals.