Expat parents often worry about whether they are doing the right thing moving countries and removing their children from their schools, friends and relatives. The one thing you can be confident about is that doing tertiary studies away from your home country will be good for your child and here are the reasons why.
Why studying abroad can be good for you
It opens up possibilities
Any experience that pushes your ‘almost adult’ out of their comfort zones is good for them. Universities and colleges overseas will often offer courses and programmes your children might not have had access to in their home country. If you’re moving from a third world country to a first world country like the USA or Canada, the opportunities are even greater. Learning overseas with new people in a new culture will encourage your children to think outside the boundaries they’re used to and you could find they end up studying something completely different to what they would have studied back home.
It strengthens their CV
If you plan on returning to your home country, any studying done abroad will enhance your child’s CV. The world is becoming a global community and international experience is greatly valued – whether your child is a physiotherapist or an accountant. Just the fact they have experienced a new culture and a different educational framework will encourage employers to look at them with interest. Studying abroad also implies your child is more open to change and is more tolerant and adaptable – all qualities prized by managers.
It widens their network
As an overseas student, your child will end up with immeasurably more contacts than they would have had if they had stayed at home to study. Contacts and friendships made abroad often last a lifetime and the benefits of these are priceless – from having places to stay and visit across the world, to potential career opportunities in other countries, a global network gives you a jump-start in life.
It opens up funding opportunities
Many international and renowned universities in the UK and USA offer incredible scholarships and bursaries to foreign students who have great potential. To find out what is available, contact the universities and colleges in the country you’re moving to. Local governments often provide funding and your children doesn’t necessary have to be academic, sports scholarships are plentiful and often cover full tuition.
It opens up an opportunity to receive a world-renowned qualification
If your child receives a degree or diploma at one of the top universities in the world, doors will open for them across the world. Many of the world’s top 10 universities are in the USA and England, but the top 100 in the world are very diverse and there is sure to be one in the country you’re moving to. For the latest rankings visit timeshighereducation.com
The top universities in the world 2016/2017
- University of Oxford: UK
- California Institute of Technology: US
- Stanford University: US
- University of Cambridge: UK
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology: US
- Harvard University: UK
- Princeton University: US
- Imperial College London: UK
- ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich: Switzerland
- University of California, Berkeley: US
- University of Chicago: US
If you’re a South African residing in any country in the world and need advice about your financial migration, contact us today and we’ll help you on the path to financial freedom in your new home.
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