Ryan Hu (11) | STAFF REPORTER
In an increasingly interconnected world, anyone can hop on the internet and transport themselves to another country. Still, there are many benefits to getting up and moving to another country, both pragmatic and idealistic, and more and more individuals are choosing to as expats, digital nomads and international students.
International students are university or college students who enrol in a school outside of their own country. These students may receive special visas that allow them to stay in the country for several years, but may be subject to higher tuition fees compared to domestic students.
Many people choose to become international students to work in their target country, and many countries even expect this. In Canada, the most popular destination for international students, students are allowed to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. This allows them to stay in Canada after graduation, allowing them to become a Permanent Resident.
Another benefit of studying abroad is access to a wider range of education. Many people go to schools outside their country for their reputation, and many of the top-ranking universities in the world accept thousands of international students per year.
Furthermore, school is only one part of being an international student, and many students study abroad for a different living experience. Studying abroad immerses students in a different culture and language from their own, while also teaching them a higher degree of self-reliance, independence and confidence.
Research from the The Consortium for Analysis of Student Success through International Education, Institute of International Education and the School for International Training also point to students who studied abroad having better grades. According to these studies, students who studied abroad have a GPA 0.16 points higher than those who did not. 90% of students also said that an exchange program improved skills required for their jobs, and 72% said their experience significantly impacted their career choices.
In addition, many employers look for students with knowledge and experience outside of their own countries. As developing countries like China, India, Turkey, Brazil, Mexico and Indonesia are becoming more prominent in the global economy, companies from the West are looking for employees who can help them access new economies. Employers will also appreciate the soft skills developed in a study abroad-experience, like communication and flexibility.
Accordingly, career opportunities have become the top motive for studying abroad. According to the ICEF Monitor in 2023, 53% of international students study abroad for “career reasons,” followed by “personal development” (46%) and “access to higher quality education” (35%). This comes as countries like Denmark are trying to attract more foreign students, as governments and students alike realise the potential of international programs.
As societies become more interconnected and economies become more globalised, countries and companies will need individuals who will help them stand out on the global stage. Studying abroad is becoming an increasingly important and popular way to become one of these individuals, while also improving students’ soft skills and introducing them to new experiences. Studying abroad will prove invaluable in helping students become more international in a global workforce.
This article was written in March 2024.
