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Studying abroad should not be a decision based on trends or societal pressures. It requires careful consideration, self-reflection, and a rational mindset. Financial planning, course and country evaluation, work experience, job prospects, standardized tests, and self-discipline, and time management
By Adarsh Khandelwal7 min read
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"I want to apply straight after my undergraduate from Delhi University," says Anirudh, on further questioning it turns out that he is only doing this because everyone around him is doing the same. On more discussions, he is advised to land a job on his own, and if he's ready, he is good to go. Anirudh drops the plan and focuses on bringing more work experience before going abroad.
Kamini from Bangalore, studying at a top IB school in the country, wants to pursue English Hons in the US. As both parents wish to fuel her ambition, they have concluded and are already in the process of working out a plan as per them, India has nothing to offer. On further interrogation, they admit they have no clue about the finances, relevance, or ROI; they just want to follow a trend they learned about at a fair, where they heard about successful people studying abroad.
Ratul from India's top engineering school has a good CGPA, a good test score, and relevant work experience. He seems to be ready to take this journey, and upon questioning, he has all the clarity about the course, program, and post-work prospects. Ratul gets a green signal. Upon more discussions, we see he also has a shot to secure financial aid as he's highly skilled and is looking at the cybersecurity space.
The question is, have you been questioned enough, or are you also part of the rat race?
Studying abroad is often viewed as a dream opportunity, promising exposure to new cultures, top-notch education, and a competitive edge in the global job market. However, the decision to pursue education overseas should never be brd on trends or societal pressures. It requires careful consideration, self-reflection, and a rational mindset.
Anirudh's initial desire to apply straight after his undergraduate studies was driven by a common phenomenon - the tendency to follow what everyone else is doing. The pressure to conform to the crowd can be immense, especially when it comes to life-altering decisions like studying abroad. It is essential to break away from this illusion and critically assess one's own readiness for such a journey.
Kamini's case highlights the significance of self-exploration and understanding one's aspirations. Pursuing education abroad should not be an escape from perceived limitations in one's home country. It requires a deep understanding of personal goals, interests, and financial preparedness. Blindly assuming that opportunities only exist abroad can lead to disappointment and regret.
Ratul sets an excellent example of being well-prepared and informed. Before embarking on his study abroad journey, he thoroughly evaluated the course, program, and post-employment prospects. Ratul understood the relevance of his chosen field and the potential for financial aid, demonstrating the importance of conducting thorough research.
Before making any decisions, it is essential to ask ourselves why we want to study abroad. Is it merely to join the trend, or is there a genuine and well-thought-out reason? Engaging in honest self-questioning allows us to make choices that align with our true passions and ambitions.
In the fast-paced world we live in, it's easy to get caught up in the rat race, where external pressures dictate our decisions. Escaping this race requires introspection, seeking advice from experienced mentors, and recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to studying abroad.
Studying abroad can indeed be a life-changing experience, but it should be a well-informed and rational decision. Instead of blindly following the crowd or succumbing to external pressures, take the time to understand your true aspirations and motivations. Question yourself enough to be sure of your choices and avoid falling into the trap of the rat race. Remember, it's not about keeping up with others, but about finding your unique path to success and fulfillment.
Here are some important questions to ask yourself before embarking on this journey:
Financial Planning: Have you carefully planned your finances and considered the cost of living in your desired country? Make sure you have a solid financial plan, including provisions for unforeseen expenses.
Course and Country Evaluation: Have you thoroughly researched the courses and universities you are considering? Avoid making decisions solely brd on someone else's success story or cheap education options.
Work Experience: Have you assessed whether you need some legitimate work experience before pursuing further studies? Real-world experience can add value to your education and open up better opportunities in the future.
Post-Employment Prospects: Have you looked into the college's placement statistics and employment opportunities post-graduation? It's essential to have realistic expectations about your future job prospects.
Standardized Tests and Pre-Checks: Have you completed all the required standardized tests and performed necessary pre-checks for the application process?
Job Possibilities: Have you done thorough research about job opportunities in your chosen field in the country you plan to study in? Understanding the job market is crucial for your future career planning.
Own Your Journey: Avoid relying heavily on third parties like agents or consultants to handle everything for you. Take ownership of your application process and be actively involved in decision-making.
Self-Discipline and Time Management: Some foreign educational systems have strict deadlines and requirements. Embrace the opportunity to learn self-discipline and time management skills to succeed in any venture.
Remember, studying abroad can be life-changing, but it requires careful consideration and preparation. Take ownership of your decisions, be informed, and be prepared to face challenges independently. Success comes from personal growth and perseverance through difficult times. Choose the path that aligns with your goals, values, and passions, rather than succumbing to societal pressures or illusions of an effortless experience.
This article was originally published by The Economic Times on 7th August 2023.
