Studying Abroad: Advantages and Disadvantages

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Is the level of education in Nigeria motivating students to study here? Should students travel out of the country for better education? Will they still uphold their morals and values if they study abroad? Will the aim of sending them overseas be achieved? Parents and guardians are usually faced with these questions anytime they consider sending their wards out of the country for studies.

Many Nigerians believed that the best education can only be gotten abroad. Most of the children of the rich and politicians do not study in Nigeria. Only few of them have their children around and as soon as there is need for them to further their education, they fly out of the country and are seen in various Western countries, countries like the United States of America, United Kingdom, Canada and others. Little wonder the lackadaisical attitude of the people in the government towards Nigeria education. Should students be encouraged to stay in their country or to travel out? Are there advantages attached to studying abroad? Of course, there are many advantages, and are the same time disadvantages. Studying in Nigeria also has its advantages and disadvantages. All these are discussed in the following paragraphs.

Advantages Of Studying Abroad

Many educational opportunities are opened for students. Different fields and courses not available in Nigeria are available in schools abroad. Students are exposed to new courses from which they can make choices relating to the career they want. Students are more fulfilled when studying the course of they want. Quality education and experiments are available to students unlike Nigeria where just few courses are available in the curriculum. This restricts students to some courses and they have to settle for other courses related to their dream courses. This does not lead to career fulfillment. Also, the educational systems in developed countries are faster than in Nigeria. Children who study overseas attain the peak of their careers on time and at young ages. They graduate, start working and make money quicker than their colleagues in Nigeria.

The educational system over there is the better. Experienced teachers teach the students; well equipped laboratories and libraries are available. As we all know, practical classes are as important as theoretical classes when learning and schools abroad are well equipped to give such classes. Also, equal respect is given to all courses. Vocational courses and appropriate degree programs are also available in schools for those interested. The same awards, honours and degrees are given to both the professional and vacation students. For example, there are rooms for music classes with the musical instruments, classes for those interested in textiles and fashion designing with the necessary equipments needed for effective learning. 

On the other hand, the educational structure in Nigeria is nothing to write home about. Different schools are built for different type of education. Honour and respect is given more to those that want to venture into professional courses while those with vocational interest are seen as the dull and lazy ones. Scientific laboratories are now empty with few or no equipment. Libraries and laboratories are being converted into staff rooms and class rooms. Theories with little or no practical classes are being taught in most Nigeria schools.

People who leave their parents here and travel out of the country are more confident. Their abilities to face and cope with the challenges help them to adapt to any situations they find themselves. They are good with decision-making processes because life over there has taught them to be. Anyone who can survive the hardships, racism, and money management over there can survive anywhere. These people are wiser, independent, responsible, matured and experienced. Anyone who has not left his comfort zone may not be able to cope with challenges when they come.

Studying abroad exposes students to diverse cultures which reduce culture-shock. Students have more friends who can help them to learn new and interesting things. Students that study abroad perfect their spoken English and they tend to be bi or multi-lingual and know a better and more advanced ways of doing things.

Chances of job opportunities are available to students. Part-time jobs are numerous for students to support themselves financially. Some might be lucky and get permanent job. Combining work and schooling prepare them on how to deal with stress. There may also be opportune to visit neighboring states and countries during the breaks. It provides the opportunity of knowing some places that one might not have had the opportunity to visit.

Disadvantages of Studying Abroad

There are numerous disadvantages such as high cost of education and standard of living. Nigerian education is way cheaper than the education in other countries. The same also applies to the standard of living. More money is needed to survive in other countries. Children are more exposed to social vices because things like drugs, weapons, sex are cheap and almost free. Those without parental and moral support lose their morals, values and good behaviours brought from Nigeria.

Moving to other countries can be depressing for students. They are faced with stress, loneliness and anxiety. It takes time to get adapted to other people’s culture and to overcome barriers such as language, food, customs, habit. Students are faced with some differences and cultural-shock when they go to other countries other than theirs. They feel home-sick, abandoned and miss their native countries, families and friends.

Nigeria students are better than those abroad in terms of morals and values. This is because discipline which is held high in Nigeria is not allowed in some foreign and developed countries. Also children who school abroad tend to lose tune with their culture and traditions, they tend to embrace the western culture and believe.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, the educational standard in this country should be developed. Schools should be provided with well equipped laboratories and libraries to enhance learning. All the factors that pull students to foreign countries should be provided in Nigeria schools. By this, students will be encouraged to stay in their father-lands and enjoy the milk and honey of the land instead of going to strange countries. If the children of the rich and those in power are studying in this country, their parents will be forced to spend more on the education sector. Studying abroad has many opportunities that enhance learning and at the same time some drawbacks that we should try to solve for effective learning.

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