Why is studying abroad important?

Studying abroad is a transformative experience and many Indians are opting for International Education for a variety of reasons- one majorly being the plethora of opportunities that unfold. Some of the several reasons are listed below:

Personal Growth

1. Cultural Exposure: When students immerse themselves in other cultures, they come back with nuanced and considerably less prejudiced perspectives. Whether engaged in the study of science, politics, or finance, the capacity to think from a multinational vantage point enables them to confront contemporary challenges and devise innovative solutions.

2. Language Skills: Living in a country where a different language is spoken can significantly improve language proficiency, which is a valuable skill in today’s globalized world.

3. Independence and Confidence: Navigating a new country on their own helps students develop self-reliance and confidence. It encourages them to solve problems, handle everyday tasks, and adapt to new environments, fostering personal growth and resilience.

4. Personal Development: Experiencing life abroad can lead to greater self-awareness and personal growth. Students often gain a clearer sense of their own values, goals, and interests.

Academic and Professional Benefits

1. Quality Education: Certain specialized courses are not available in India. To attain a high-quality education that has practical significance and can effectively shape their future career paths, students may need to study abroad. This allows them to access unique programs and cutting-edge knowledge that are crucial for their professional development.

2. Career Opportunities: International experience is highly valued by employers. It demonstrates adaptability, global awareness, and the ability to work in diverse teams. Graduates with study abroad experience often have an edge in the job market.

3. Networking: Studying abroad provides the opportunity to build a global network of friends, professors, and professionals, which can be beneficial for future career prospects and personal growth.

4. Research and Learning Opportunities: Students can access different academic resources, facilities, and research opportunities that can enrich their academic experience and contribute to their field of study.

Societal Impact

1. Global Citizenship: Studying abroad helps people from different countries understand and cooperate with each other. It nurtures a sense of global citizenship and responsibility, inspiring students to make positive contributions to the world community.

2. Cultural Exchange: Students who study abroad get a chance to represent their own culture, sharing their heritage with others while also learning about new traditions and ways of life. This cultural exchange fosters mutual respect and understanding among different nations.

Financial and Logistical Considerations

1. Scholarships and Financial Aid: Many schools and organizations provide scholarships, grants, and financial aid for students who want to study abroad, making it more affordable.

2. Flexibility and Variety: Study abroad programs come in many forms, such as semester exchanges, year-long programs, summer schools, and internships. This variety allows students to pick options that suit their academic and personal needs.

Why can’t people afford to study abroad?

Studying and living abroad pose financial challenges such as high tuition fees and living expenses, but effective strategies can minimize costs and ensure financial management. Mastering a new language is crucial for international students, impacting their mental well-being and integration. Homesickness is common initially but typically diminishes as students become more familiar with their surroundings. Adapting to a new country requires adjustments like managing currency and embracing cultural differences. Building a supportive network abroad is essential for emotional support and a sense of belonging.

At Ixora Global, we provide professional guidance and connections to ease your study abroad journey, ensuring a smooth transition and adjustment to your chosen destination. Explore scholarships and educational funding opportunities with us to kickstart your international education experience. Contact our team for comprehensive assistance on studying abroad procedures and steps.

Which are the best international destinations to study abroad within budget?

Here is a list of the top 5 best & affordable countries to study abroad:

1. Germany

Germany attracts thousands of Indian students especially when it comes to studying for Engineering Degrees. Known for its tuition-free education system, Germany offers a significant advantage to both domestic and international students pursuing undergraduate studies, eliminating the financial burden of tuition fees.

However, students opting for master’s programs in a different field may incur tuition costs. Despite this, Germany’s educational quality and abundant opportunities make it highly attractive for engineering careers.

Public universities generally waive tuition fees for all students, though there may be additional application and processing fees. Private universities, in contrast, charge tuition fees, with approximate annual costs ranging from INR 20,00,000 to INR 23,00,000 for bachelor’s programs and INR 35,00,000 to INR 37,00,000 for master’s programs.

Living expenses in Germany typically range from INR 70,000 to INR 80,000 per month, covering necessities such as food, transport, and study materials.

Indian students can also explore various scholarships, including the DAAD scholarship, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, and others, further supporting their academic journey in Germany.

2. Malaysia

Malaysia offers breath-taking scenery, advanced technology, and a rich cultural mix, making it an ideal place for higher education, hence many Indian students prefer Malaysia over all other countries to study abroad.

Tuition fees in Malaysia are generally low compared to many other countries, with bachelor’s programs costing between INR 1,50,000 and INR 4,50,000 per year, and master’s programs ranging from INR 4,00,000 to INR 9,00,000 per year. 

Furthermore, the cost of living is relatively low, with monthly expenses ranging from INR 36,000 to INR 64,000, covering accommodation, food, transport, and other necessities.

Scholarships such as the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS), Khazanah Global Scholarship, JPA Scholarship Programme, and PTPTN are available to support Indian students financially.

3. France

France is a beautiful study-abroad destination, renowned for its artistic bent of mind, its affordable universities, and its high standard of living.

Despite its reputation for being expensive, France offers relatively low tuition fees, making it appealing to international students.

Tuition fees in France vary by university and course, but bachelor’s programs generally cost between INR 2,50,000 and INR 8,50,000 per year, while master’s programs range from INR 9,00,000 to INR 15,00,000 per year.

The cost of living also varies; in Paris, it ranges from INR 1,00,000 to INR 1,50,000 per month, while in Lyon, it is between INR 70,000 and INR 90,000 per month. 

France offers various scholarships to support students, such as the École Normale Supérieure Master’s Scholarship, Grenoble INP Master’s Scholarship, Sciences Po Bachelor’s and Master’s Scholarships, Emile Boutmy Scholarship, and Eiffel Scholarship.

4. Denmark

Denmark is yet another popular destination for Indian students seeking quality education in an amicable environment. Known for its excellent education system, innovative teaching methods, and research-driven approach, Denmark also boasts a high standard of living and a well-developed healthcare system.

Tuition fees vary by university and program, with bachelor’s degrees costing between INR 5,50,000 and INR 14,00,000 per year, and master’s degrees ranging from INR 9,50,000 to INR 20,50,000 per year.

The cost of living for students averages around INR 70,000 to INR 1,00,000 per month, covering housing, transportation, food, utilities, study materials, and other expenses.

To support international students financially, Denmark offers several scholarships, including the Danish Government Scholarship, the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree Scholarship, and the Danish State Education Grant.

5. Norway

Norway is one of the most affordable study destinations for Indian students, offering a high quality of life, cultural diversity, and numerous English-language programs.

While tuition fees for bachelor’s degrees range from INR 6,30,000 to INR 9,10,000 per year and master’s degrees from INR 9,10,000 to INR 17,15,000, education at public universities is generally free.

However, the cost of living in Denmark is relatively high, averaging INR 80,000 to INR 90,000 monthly, covering rent, food, transportation, utilities, and other expenses.

To help overcome the burden of these costs, Norway provides various scholarships through the government, private organizations, foundations, and universities, including the NTNU Scholarship, SCAR Fellowships in Antarctic Research, Microsoft Research PhD Fellowship, Mobility Grant for Norwegian Language and Literature, A. Wilhelmsen Foundation Scholarship Programme, BI Presidential Scholarship, and others.

Conclusion

Choosing a study destination, university, and program that aligns with your goals and ambitions is crucial, but it’s equally important to consider your budget. While countries like the USA and UK are known for their higher costs, the UK’s one-year Master’s courses can help reduce expenses, and the USA offers strong employability prospects and high salaries. Scholarships can also make studying in these countries more affordable.

When deciding where to study, it’s important to consider factors beyond just tuition fees. The quality of education, availability of internships and work experiences, cultural and language compatibility, and the overall safety and security of the country are all crucial aspects that can significantly impact your experience. By weighing these factors carefully, you can find the right destination that offers both an affordable and fulfilling educational adventure.

However, it’s wise for Indian students to explore more affordable options like Germany, Taiwan, France, and Norway. These countries provide cost-effective education along with rich cultural experiences. Scholarships are available to help ease financial burdens.