For countless years, studying in a foreign country has had its pros and cons. You probably dream of studying abroad too, but do you have the right reasons?
Or perhaps you’ve never really considered going far from home to study…
In any case, there are many amazing benefits associated with international studies. This article will explore 7 key reasons, especially for Nigerian students!
What Does it Mean to Study Abroad?
To study abroad is to get enrolled in an academic program in a country different from your country of origin. If you’re studying in a country where you’re a foreigner, you will be regarded as an international student. Interestingly, this can happen in a number of stages and modes.
Stages of International Studies
Just like in a normal educational system, international studies can be undertaken in any of the following stages:
- Primary School
- Secondary School/High School
- College/University Degree, Diploma or Certificate
- Master’s: MBA, M.Sc, M.A, M.Eng or LL.M
- Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) or MicroMasters Programs
- Doctoral Research Work, etc.
In some of the above stages, the studies may be full-time or part-time. And in some cases, enrolling in an international student program goes hand-in-hand with your studies in your home country. An example of such a scenario is being an International Exchange student.
Modes of International Studies
Studying in a foreign country doesn’t always require your full presence over there. This is because international studies can be conducted both online and offline.
Modes of International studies include:
- On-site International Studies: This requires you to travel to another country where you will study for some months, years or sessions. Hence, you will need to make some preparations such as visa, health checkup, etc. On-site international studies could be part-time or full-time, depending on the workload and the flexibility of your time-table. In some cases, you will need to balance work and school to take care of yourself. That’s if you’re not sponsored and didn’t get a scholarship.
- Virtual International Studies: The world has evolved to an era where you don’t need to go to America to be able to bag a Harvard degree. With the abundance of accredited online courses from prestigious universities, you can earn a diploma, certificate or degree right from the comfort of your home. Virtual international programs are usually self-paced and user-friendly, though exams and other assessments are often monitored. You can even acquire certified in-demand digital skills with just your smartphone. However, the downside is that not every course can be learnt in a completely virtual format.
- Hybrid International Studies: Some international academic programs incorporate both virtual and on-site formats in their learning process. Hence, you may receive some lectures online but be required to travel abroad or go to some designated centres for practicals, tests or exams. This is an example of a hybrid learning system, such as the one adopted by the National Open University of Nigeria.
Is Studying Abroad Worth it?
Now that you know the various stages and modes of online studies, you might still be wondering whether studying abroad is worth all the hype. Why are those coursemates of yours constantly talking about wanting to Japa?
Why Study Abroad as a Nigerian? 7 Reasons to Convince You
Has anyone ever told you there’s no reason to go abroad for studies? Read the key points below to convince yourself and even that person!
- World-class Standard: The educational sector in Nigeria has been neglected for years, leading to a pathetic learning structure and sub-standard facilities. Even the curricula are mostly outdated, hence, our graduates find it difficult to compete with their peers across the world. Studying abroad will equip you with standard knowledge and technical know-how with which you can benefit yourself and the society at large.
- Timely and Uninterrupted Schedule: If you’ve studied in the Nigerian educational system, you must’ve experienced drawbacks and delays during the course of your studies. This is not only limited to tertiary institutions with their months-long strikes but also secondary and primary schools whose learning is sometimes put on hold due to insecurity and health epidemics! If you don’t want to end up spending almost 7 years studying for a university degree due to no fault of yours, consider an international degree.
- Career Boost: Did you know that having an international degree showcased on your CV can give you better chance of getting hired? Even if you’re establishing your own venture, the experience of studying abroad gives you a better chance of building profitable relations with people from different walks of life. This is because you must’ve met and engaged many bright colleagues and mentors from different parts of the world. Hence, expanding your business by venturing into exports or forming collaborations would be easier for you with the help of your international contacts or connections.
- Self-paced and Inclusive Nature: Virtual international courses have the added advantage of being self-paced with a flexible schedule. An inclusive environment is also often experienced in on-site international institutions. Due to the impressive standard of many universities in developed countries, each student is made to feel at home while maintaining a good relationship with both tutors and colleagues.
- Networking and Support: Traveling is already a key contributor to the acquisition of knowledge. When you couple that with mingling with students from different countries, backgrounds and professions, you end up with a wealth of experience which will help in your future humanitarian and professional dealings. International students from the same country are often known for organizing social get-togethers which bond them together and encourage a good representation of their home countries. In many cases, they even initiate philanthropic and technical support programs for the benefit of their brethren back home. Examples include the Arewa Youth Mentorship Organisation and the Michael Taiwo Foundation.
- Language and Communication Skills: Among the collection of soft skills that can be acquired through international studies, Language and Communication skills stand out. Interestingly, these two might not be easily developed without being in contact with native speakers in their natural environment. Generally, International Universities deliver lectures in major world languages such as English and Arabic. However, some of them specify native language courses for their students, such as Malay language courses in Malaysia. This greatly contributes towards the development of language and communication, as well as the understanding of various cultural nuances that help people adapt to different situations even after their studies. Being fluent in several languages also opens an additional door of opportunity to a career in diplomacy, translation and transcription, which can serve as an additional income stream.
- Scholarship Opportunities: Last but definitely not the least, is the availability of many scholarship opportunities for international students. Various governments, institutions and private organisations award scholarships to students willing to study in foreign countries. Many of these scholarships are fully-funded, with added benefits such as monthly stipend, visa processing, transport allowance, accommodation, research experience and so much more. Want to know the different types of international scholarships available for Nigerians? Stay tuned on Smartbukites!
Conclusion
You now know that that there are many reasons why you should consider studying abroad as a Nigerian. Don’t be discouraged by rumours of scarcity of opportunities or impossible application procedures. Smartbukites will guide you towards choosing the best international universities, maximizing your chances of winning full-funded international scholarships and even writing your scholarship application!