Some young people dream of studying abroad. But studying abroad has not only advantages but also disadvantages.
In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of studying abroad, what opportunities such education provides, and discuss what difficulties students may encounter.
Pros of studying abroad
1. Wide selection of programs
No matter what field you want to work in, European universities have a suitable program that will allow you to receive a specialized education. For example, at the ALMA culinary school, there is a course in Italian cuisine, and at Le Cordon Bleu, students study French cooking and at the Madrid campus of the same university – Spanish cuisine. Thousands of future designers dream of studying fashion in Europe. A huge selection of specialized programs distinguishes the leading fashion institute in Marangoni; students study purchasing, styling, photography, production, brand management, design, marketing, and communications in the fashion field. In addition, courses are offered in industrial and interior design, accessory and footwear design, jewelry design, creative management, and curation. The leading business school in Europe – ESCP Europe – offers a Master’s program in Food and Beverage Management and an MBA.
Regarding education in European countries, we must remember boarding schools. Middle and high school and pre-university programs are offered in the UK, Ireland, Spain, Switzerland, and Italy, including British GCSE and A-Level, international International Baccalaureate, American High School Diploma, German Abitur, Italian Maturite, and many others. A truly wide choice that public schools in Ukraine, the USA, Canada, and other countries cannot boast of.
2. High level of employment
Many people aim to obtain a European education to build an international career or find employment in a company in the country of study. Thanks to their unrivaled level of training, university graduates in Europe are in demand among employers. For example, 80% of former students at the NABA School of Design and Fashion and 90% at the Italian University LUISS Guido Carli find a job within the first year after graduation. 92% of Les Roches hospitality graduates are employed before graduation, and 99% of former Universita Commerciale Luigi Bocconi students are employed within six months. It is worth noting about the level of salaries. According to statistics, graduates of Swiss universities in the hotel and restaurant business receive about $45,000 per year, aspiring engineers with a European education receive €44,000, and the average salary of graduates of ESCP Business School is $64,800 per year. To calculate the cost of education for the entire period, it is better to use the free online calculator OneConvert.
3. International learning environment
One of the main advantages of European education is the cultural diversity of the student community and teaching staff. For example, Istituto Marangoni has students from 140 countries, and Glion Hospitality School has students from 150 countries! At the same time, in a global business environment, companies value employees’ ability to communicate and work with people of different nationalities. While studying at universities in Europe, students are in close contact with representatives of other cultures; they create projects together and complete group assignments, which develops tolerance, respect, and understanding of national characteristics.
4. Freedom of movement within European countries
If you enter a European university and receive a student visa, you have the right to free movement throughout all EU countries. Visit Rome, Paris, Valencia, Zurich, go skiing, go hiking, and visit the main museums of the world. European low-cost airlines and bus companies often run sales; for example, a flight between Berlin and Amsterdam can cost just a few euros.
5. Learn multiple languages
Another significant advantage of studying in Europe is learning several languages. Regardless of the country where the university is located, international students prefer programs in English. However, being around native French, Italian, German, or Spanish speakers will make it easy for you to learn a new language. For example, culinary training in Europe is possible in English, but internships require knowledge of the local language. Le Cordon Bleu school in Paris comes to the rescue and offers students additional French courses.
6. Leading positions of European universities in rankings
Studying abroad makes you a high-level professional with a sought-after prestigious diploma. European universities traditionally occupy leading positions in international rankings. For example, Domus Academy is among the TOP 30 schools of design, fashion, and architecture. Durham University Business School’s MBA program in economics is ranked #3 globally. Les Roches Institute ranks third among all hospitality schools.
Disadvantages of European education
Cultural differences
Moving to another country always involves adaptation. Europe is popular among applicants from America and the CIS countries due to the similar mentality of its inhabitants. However, there are cultural differences that you will inevitably have to get used to. For example, there is a difference in the unit conversionsof measurement system between the USA and Europe. The imperial and metric unit conversionsare different for measuring things like distances, volumes, and weights. Since every country worldwide does not use the same measuring unit conversionssystem, it is essential to understand both.
So many countries use the metric system that you may wonder, “Who still uses the imperial system and how to do unit conversions?” Only three countries use the imperial measurement system: Liberia, Myanmar, and the United States of America. Therefore, Americans may experience learning difficulties.
The language barrier
The calmest and most reliable option for entering a university abroad on a budget is to devote a year to studying the language in specialized courses (for example, GoStudy). However, even after receiving the B2 certificate, it takes time to start talking. You will be able to chat and joke freely in about the third or fourth year of your stay in the country, which is normal. And it’s one thing to order an Americano with cake at a cafe, and quite another to write a paper for a seminar or defend a project, for example, in Czech.
Red tape with documents
Translation of diplomas and certificates, motivation letters, recommendations, portfolio, and visa – you must go through many bureaucratic obstacles to study abroad. All this must be done on time and without errors; otherwise, you will not have time to enroll in the desired program.
