Key Takeaways:
- Studying abroad can enhance cultural immersion and personal growth, fostering qualities like independence, adaptability, and open-mindedness.
- Tuition fees abroad may be lower than in the U.S., with some countries offering free education or accepting U.S. financial aid.
- Employers may view foreign degrees variably; research accreditation and industry requirements to ensure your degree’s relevance and acceptance.
Many students who have chosen to study abroad feel like their decision has offered them a lifetime of benefits. If you are trying to determine whether you should earn your formal degree on US soil or whether you should explore the world while you pursue higher education, you need to assess the value of each opportunity while you consider what you value the most.
Living in a foreign country offers you with the opportunity to immerse yourself in a cultural experience that you just will not get domestically. With this being said, studying abroad goes beyond a cultural impact. Read on and learn find out how studying abroad can add value to your educational experiences and whether the value is worth the costs. If cost is a concern for you, we have a great article highlighting several affordable study abroad programs.
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How Much Does it Cost to Earn a Degree Abroad?
Contrary to popular belief, the cost of an overseas degree may actually be less than the cost to study in the United States. With the rising cost of tuition fees at both public and private schools, studying internationally may be the answer depending upon the program and the country where you want to study. In the United Kingdom, the cost of tuition averages in at $21,365. In France, the tuition comes in at just $247. Some institutions in Norway and Germany, do not charge tuition at all. Some schools will even accept US financial aid to go to international schools that are on an approved list.
How Will a Degree Earned Abroad Be Viewed by Employers and Licensing Agencies?
Earning a degree abroad will not always make you more marketable in the US. You have consider how your degree is perceived by employers before you assume that lower cost tuition rates are better. It is especially important if you want to enter a career where licensing or certification is required. You will need to review educational requirements and whether or not an accredited international program is acceptable. You will also need to determine if your degree will cross borders well based on employer perception.
What Are Some of the Unique Benefits to Studying Abroad?
When you study overseas you will have an educational experience like no other. There may be some similarities between domestic and international schools, but there are also a long list of differences. By traveling to another country to sit and earn your degree, you will be able to gain a new-found independence and perseverance. You will also become much more open-minded, flexible, assertive, and adaptable. Students with international degrees tend to have a broader worldview, can build rapport with others quickly and can learn through observation.. These are all qualities that you can use in business and many other fields.
Many people have goals in life that include traveling around the world. Unfortunately, these individuals feel like they cannot do that until the retire. If you earn your degree overseas, you do not have to put off your goal to travel. International degrees can offer you more opportunity in the right field of work, especially in an area that has gone global. While you may find arguments against studying abroad, there are always ways to overcome the objections. Make sure to compare the cost of tuition, housing, and other living expenses and make an educated decision as to whether to take the leap. Compare the pros and cons, and then you can define the value of studying abroad for your degree.
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Affordable Study Abroad Programs in Europe