Guide to studying abroad : Should I study abroad?

Choosing further study abroad may well require a significant personal and financial commitment and it is important that you think through all the issues, practicalities and possible career benefits. The following pros and cons may help you decide if postgraduate study abroad is for you.

• World renowned education: Studying abroad can open up opportunities to study at institutions that are recognised internationally for specific subject areas or specialist research. These may be particularly well funded because of their international reputation.
• Competitive edge: Adapting to a new culture and gaining language skills can increase your employability, especially in areas such as international business. Employers are increasingly seeking ‘global graduates’. 
• Develop language skills: Immersion in another country and culture will rapidly improve your language skills. However bear in mind that in some countries you will need to study in the native language so you will need a high level of proficiency. If your skills are not on that level, look out for the ever increasing number of European HE institutions where you can study in English. 
• Costs: There are pros and cons here. Tuition fees can be less than in the UK but of course you have to take into account the costs of getting to another country, such as air fares, visa fees and the cost of admissions exams as well as living expenses. Some of these costs can be met by programmes such as university assistantships and a limited number of grants and scholarships are also available to fund postgraduate study.
• Life experiences: Living and studying in another country can be very valuable in terms of developing life skills and transferable skills that you can add to your CV. However using postgraduate study as a means of gaining an extended visit to another country is risky. A genuine interest in the chosen course of study is essential. Otherwise staying motivated while coping with an unfamiliar culture, may be difficult. If your main priority is to visit a particular country, consider summer vacation work or taking a language course.
• Recognition of qualifications: There is no universally accepted recognition of overseas undergraduate qualifications. This means that you have to allow more time to research and make your application, preferably starting 12-18 months in advance. However, in Europe the Bologna Process is making it easier for existing qualifications to be recognised, by standardising degrees and making them more comparable, so that a first degree will be worth the same whatever country you study in.

Fulbright scholars Lilijan and Maureen had positive experiences studying abroad in two very different locations:

Lilijan Sulejmanovic studied for an MBA at Harvard Business School with a scholarship from the Fulbright Commission.

Setting yourself up in an entirely different country can be very empowering and boost your independence as you’re taken out of your network and have to rebuild another life for yourself. This brings intangible benefits that stay with you for life and are recognised by employers as signalling a ‘can do’ mentality, along with a willingness to take on a challenge and make it work. On the MBA I benefitted culturally from being exposed to students from many different nationalities and diverse backgrounds who had different approaches to business issues and work. On a personal level it can broaden your horizons and in the workplace employers recognise that you can bring different perspectives and approaches to solving problems.

Lilijan Sulejmanovic, Fulbright scholar

Maureen Sier spent four and a half years in the South Pacific at the National University of Samoa, aided by a scholarship from the Fulbright Commission. An 18-month field work placement for her PhD in Religious Studies, Anthropology and Women’s Studies turned into a four and half year stay when she was offered a post as a lecturer and managed to change to a part-time PhD.

Being immersed in another culture was a huge learning curve but has been an enriching life experience. It has also given me a real affinity with the people and society that form the topic of my PhD. I feel I have two homes in two different parts of the world, as I continue to visit Samoa to conduct small research projects. It has been hugely beneficial to my current job. I feel I have been able to apply the cultural sensitivity I gained from Samoa to my current role of promoting religious tolerance throughout Scotland.

Maureen Sier, Fulbright scholar