Essay 9 – More students are deciding to move to a different country for higher studies

GT Writing Task 2 (Essay Writing) Sample # 9

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Today, more and more students are deciding to move to a different country for higher studies. Do you think that the benefits of this outweigh the problems?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

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Model Answer 1 : (View – Benefits outweigh the problems)
Nowadays, an increasing number of learners prefer to study aboard. Although studying overseas has some drawbacks, the advantages it brings regarding academic and personal development are obvious and immense.

There are a few disadvantages to studying overseas that each student must carefully consider before moving to a different country. First, it is expensive and sometimes really tough for the middle class. That is to say that the overall living cost is considerably higher compared to the home country. Second, communication is another major hurdle for most students studying in another country. In most cases, students cannot communicate effectively with teachers, peers and the locals. This may lead them to anxiety, frustration and homesickness. I can recall my friend Ruhan as an example. The cultural barrier made him feel lonesome and homesick when he first landed in the UK for higher studies.

In contrast, studying abroad opens up new horizons for students and develops a deeper understanding of diverse cultures. Foreign universities have advanced teaching materials and methods, which make learning easier for students. Besides, students are exposed to different cultures. They can discover different lifestyles and social norms, which in turn broaden their perspective. In addition, with the proper cultural context, students can learn a second language accurately and quickly. This by consequence offers a competitive edge over their counterparts. For example, my elder brother is doing a job in a transnational company based in Spain. The company has selected him due to his foreign degree and better skills in the Spanish language. It is usually considered that the employee with a foreign degree is motivated to embrace any challenge and able to adapt to diverse cultures.

To conclude, students learn better in a foreign university and develop faster as a professional and an individual. Despite some drawbacks, studying overseas offers a myriad of benefits and it is expected that renowned universities will attract more foreign students in the coming days.

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Model Essay 2: (there are more problems in pursuing higher studies in a foreign country)
Tertiary education prepares a student to get ready for the real world and thus plays an immensely important role in someone’s life. Deciding whether to complete it in the home country or in a more prestigious university in a foreign country can be tricky. I personally believe that the overall picture of moving to a different country to complete higher education is troublesome.

To begin with, it is a common thought that someone with a foreign degree is more adept and can get lucrative job offers. On top of that, many students spend a great deal of their family money to complete their university education in a first-world country and wish to settle there. However, reality hits harder than expected. More than 90 per cent of those students have to return to their home countries and start a career they cannot enjoy. Two of my cousins, to cite an example, have completed their graduation and post-graduation in Australia and returned home only to find that their local counterparts are already in higher positions in companies they are planning to apply to. Many students who study in a foreign university either become illegal residents at a time or do works that are inappropriate to their profile.

Moreover, pupils who move to other countries to achieve higher degrees often face financial hardship and get involved in ordinary part-time jobs. At a time they find themselves in a situation where completing university is not possible. The percentage of such students is on the hike and no doubt it is a regrettable outcome. In a foreign land, they face cultural differences, communication problems and challenges that they could have easily avoided and concentrated on their studies in their home countries.

To conclude, the promise of having a foreign degree is quite lucrative but the challenges are even greater. I personally feel that a home university is always a better option to complete someone’s higher education without being distracted.

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Model Answer 3: (Advantages of this trend outweigh the problems)

In today’s globalised world, an increasing number of students are choosing to pursue higher education in foreign countries. The question of whether the benefits of studying abroad outweigh the accompanying challenges requires thorough discussion. Personally, I firmly believe that the advantages of studying in a different country far outweigh the problems that students may encounter.

When students choose to study in a foreign country, they may encounter several challenges. Firstly, language barriers can pose a significant obstacle, especially if the language spoken in the host country is different from their native tongue. Additionally, students may face homesickness and feelings of loneliness as they are separated from their families and support systems. Finally, the pressure to succeed academically while dealing with the demands of a foreign educational system can lead to stress and anxiety.

However, one compelling reason why studying in a different country is beneficial is the exposure to a multicultural environment. When students move to a foreign country for their higher education, they are immersed in a diverse community, interacting with peers from various cultural backgrounds. This exposure not only broadens their horizons but also enhances their intercultural communication skills and fosters a global perspective. For instance, a student studying business in the United Kingdom may have classmates from China, Brazil, and Australia, providing opportunities to learn about different business practices and cultural norms.

Another significant advantage of studying abroad is the opportunity for personal growth and independence. Living in a foreign country away from the familiar support systems of family and friends requires students to adapt to new environments, manage their finances, and navigate daily challenges independently. This experience fosters resilience, self-reliance, and problem-solving skills, which are invaluable for personal development. For example, a student studying in Canada may have to handle tasks such as finding accommodation, managing their budget, and navigating the transportation system.

In conclusion, studying in a foreign country offers numerous benefits that outweigh the challenges students may face. Therefore, the decision to pursue higher studies in a foreign country is undoubtedly advantageous, fostering not only academic development but also personal growth.