Living In A Connected, Digital World: Is Studying Abroad Still Relevant?

As technology continues to advance and impact our everyday lives, it has enabled us to live in a truly connected world, where experiences, even educational ones, have embraced going online.

While this has added more convenience to students who simply wish to get a higher education certificate, it has also taken away key factors that make one’s university education - an overseas one especially – meaningful.

Education is more than just reading materials, attending online classes and then sitting for an examination. It is about genuine, face-to-face interactions, having valuable real-world tangible experiences that could broaden your perspective and contribute to your personal development.

This is why studying abroad today is not just relevant, but essential to developing you into a holistic person to better pursue your dreams.

Here’s why digital experiences can never replicate the benefits of real-world learning, especially if you choose to study abroad.

7 Reasons Why Studying Abroad Is Still Relevant & Important Today

1. Relish Experiences That Come From Living Abroad

Living and studying in a foreign country unlocks a whole new world to many international students who otherwise might be too comfortable at home.

When you study abroad, the feeling of unfamiliarity in new surroundings will swiftly teach you how to develop self-sufficiency and how to tackle situations on the fly.

Different countries bring with them a unique culture, way of interacting and values that you will pick up, allowing you to broaden your horizons and gain a larger perspective in life.

2. Develop Independence

The most essential part of personal development is developing real-world independence where you gradually begin to trust yourself to make wise and effective decisions.

Studying abroad allows you to encounter situations that range from choosing the right accommodation, travelling on weekend trips to embarking on an exciting new internship.

Interaction with locals and daily life will also force you to learn responsibility and how to better interact with different communities where you are forced to rely on yourself.

While you might slip up and fall, the experiences here will only help toughen you up for the real world.

3. Learning In-Person With Lecturers And Tutors

While digital learning experiences have the advantage of being able to attend lessons in the comfort of home, in-person learning can never be replaced.

There is value when it comes to interacting with your lecturers and tutors in person. Not only will you be able to take in nuances in speech and interaction, but lessons will also become more dynamic and real, allowing you to absorb information better.

Plus, you will be able to create a bond with them, which can help you get referrals and letters of commendations down the road which will prove invaluable for your job hunt after graduation.

4. Participate In Physical Discussion Groups

Sure, you can discuss topics and handle group work over Zoom calls, but how effective is that to build rapport and develop relationships with your group members.

When you study abroad, you will interact live with other people, allowing you to build real bonds and better understand the perspectives of your fellow teammates.

This helps you develop better negotiation and project management skills as well as gain more empathy for people - something that can’t be developed virtually.

5. Exploring The Sights And Sounds Of A Foreign Country

There is a reason why people travel physically abroad on holiday, you can’t experience the sights and sounds of a foreign country virtually!

When you study abroad, you are immediately thrust into the hustle and bustle of a new culture. Whether you are studying in Australia, New Zealand, Canada or the UK, there is always something new to see and new experiences to enjoy.

That could be exploring every nook and cranny in your city or having an adventure in the wild, exploring nature’s beauty.

6. Immerse Yourself In The Culture And Boost Your Language Skills

Second languages are valuable and while many would claim that online classes help, you need full immersion in an environment where it is used every day to really make lasting progress.

When you travel to another country and live there for an extended period of time, you will be exposed to how locals truly use the language for their everyday interactions, especially when they converse with you using it!

For example, French is the mother tongue of 20% of Canadians, which means if you study in Canada, you will have ample opportunities to truly develop your French language skills.

7. Develop An International Understanding Of Business And Culture

Business today is international and learning to deal with people in other cultures is best done in person.

When you study abroad, you will be exposed to not just the local majority of the country, but other international students as well. You will learn their likes, preferences and what they value.

This understanding will allow you to better adapt and embrace other cultures, especially when you are in the working world when you can gain different perspectives.

Interacting with people online will not be sufficient to increase your cross-cultural awareness, you’ll need to interact with different cultures on a daily basis.

Study Abroad And Become A True Citizen Of The World With IDP

While learning online does have its merits, studying abroad gives you powerful leverage and an edge when it comes to attaining your dream career.

Your qualifications, experiences and adaptability will be highly valued by companies looking for versatile individuals unafraid of stepping out of their comfort zone.

Eager to study abroad and begin your journey?

We can help! Our team of education experts and counsellors are here to offer you guidance and advice on the next steps ahead.

At IDP, we ensure that you get the best quality education possible by navigating different universities and guiding you through the course application process.

Kickstart your overseas study journey by booking a counselling session today.

If you prefer to meet us virtually, simply fill up this form and we’ll get back to you!