The number of international students the world over has risen dramatically in the past generation. With 5.1 million international students in 2016 where there was only a little over half that number a decade prior, it’s clear that seeking education abroad is more popular and accessible than it ever has been.
There are several main drivers for this rise in the number of students. Despite what the news might tell you, prosperity has largely risen throughout the world in the past decade, most notably in Asia, Africa, and South America. Students from China and other newly industrialized countries accounted for the bulk of the increase, though there were notable increases in post-industrial nations such as the US and the UK as well.
Another factor is universities and other educational institutions are marketing themselves better online. The same can be said about support services such as student housing. Diaspora communities are also better connected thanks to social media and direct familial ties and existing connections are less important for students to be able to study abroad these days
Is education abroad what it’s cracked up to be?
However, as the number international students increases, so have the criticisms that are leveled against the practice of studying abroad, namely at the idea that the value is often overstated by schools and students alike. Employers are also often criticized for valuing the mere fact someone has studied abroad over many other possibly more relevant factors in both hiring and promotions processes.
There have also been critiques of the practice of choosing so-called “expensive countries” to study abroad in. Social critics have derided it as just another form of conspicuous consumerism by elite families from all over the world, and many HR departments are starting to feel they got burned by hiring people simply because they studied in a “prestigious” university in a developed country.
These criticisms are often leveled at the new wave of international students and employers from newly-industrialized countries whom now comprise a significant portion of college student bodies in the US and the UK. In developing countries, there is still often a perception that local educational institutions have not quite caught up with the new-found economic strength and clout of these nations. This is often confirmed by the lack of educational institutions from these countries making the lists of top universities and colleges all over the world.
While it’s impossible to make a sweeping argument that educational institutions are lacking, it’s still true that many employers will value a resume that states someone went to school in the US or Europe. However, other employers may be just as impressed with someone who studied abroad in an institution with lower tuition fees or an area with a lower cost of living.
Should you go to an “expensive” or “affordable” destination for your degree?
Certain advantages to studying abroad are also available to those who study in so-called “affordable countries” such as India, Taiwan, Slovenia, Malaysia, and South Africa, which are higher education destinations in their own right. Being able to interact with different cultures and develop an open mind about other ways of thinking is not an advantage of schooling abroad that’s restricted to those who make it to Yale or Oxford. Neither is there any guarantee that one will make the most out of their schooling for their personal development, or that grades will truly reflect on one’s competencies.
In the end, there are several advantages to studying abroad, and a prestige institution only gives one leverage if they are able to make the most of their experience, especially with regards to developing social networks. Many employers are also still impressed with applicants and prospects who were international students, but not perhaps for the reasons one might expect.
If you’re truly decided on becoming an international student or in helping a family member become one, it’s important to make sure to invest in international health insurance from a specialized provider like Now Health International. Not only do many countries require some form of international insurance before they issue a visa, but unexpected illnesses or accidents can also easily derail one’s education overseas if it happens when one is uninsured. These plans are also typically cheaper than other types of insurance and allow you to stay protected while you earn your degree.
