Let's (not) Study Abroad!

Have you ever thought about going somewhere else for school, like the U.S., the U.K., Canada, or Australia? What is/was on your mind? Not an impulse, we hope.

First of all, there are four types of travel (in an increasing difficulty order): simply taking a trip, study tour, study abroad and work & travel. Each serves its pros and cons so you need to take them into account before going. Obviously, we cannot cover everything.

Which one of the following descriptions is closer to your condition?

1. I've always wanted to see the world and experience different cultures. [Explorers]

2. I love traveling and would like to obtain some substantial results. [Drifters]

3. I'd like to have a better educational background to support my career. [Planners]

4. I'm not sure what I'll do after I graduate. [Doubters]

We see ads all the time and Taipei World Trade Center, and those alike practically hold events for study overseas at least once a year. Here's not say that they'll provide the best knowledge of what's to come because they're for business and "some(to be kind)" sales or as they like to call "specialists/consultants" have never been out of their city at all. Nonetheless, it isn't bad to go check out some deals they could offer if you're open to it and are not easily talked into.

Now, let's see the for types.

[Explorers]

Obviously, we don't need to talk too much if one just wants to go on a trip for pleasure, or do we? If financially possible, it is not a bad idea to explore places with no attachments such as work or school schedules. A few days in the field may just get your mind a little more ready and provide some certainty before making the big decision. After all, we're talking about months or years in a different country. What says on paper or websites is nothing until you see it for yourself.

[Drifters]

Not everyone has the time nor the capability to commit such long term, and complex travel but that should take away their right to pursue a better future. Study tours are usually for a couple of months but it could last longer given circumstances. It's usually during winter or summer vacation but there's also the exchange student program, which may be similar to study tours but lasts one full semester. Both of which may be an easier pathway to determine whether you want to stay for more or not.

Study tours are easier than the exchange program though. The former may have a group of people like you, first-timers or of the same country, and similar culture, i.e. Asians, which isn't ideal if you seek independence and self-growth. It's good for a short fun time, depending on how individuals use their time. The latter could be slightly more challenging. It's longer and the group you have may be a group you form... locally! The agency may organize some get-together activities like a trip to a tourist spot but the essence of the exchange student program is to allow deep travel and culture blend. We suggest that you raise the risk and find a host family. That way, you'll really see the people and yourself.

[Planners]

Similarly, for one that seeks goals internationally, you must have not only a thorough plan but a clear follow-up. Otherwise, you'll just end up a million or so short from your bank. Of course, before each individual heads out, one of the basic requirements is a "study plan" but we all know that it could be done without meaning a word in it or have someone write it. Assuming that you really have decided to pursue your dream out there, make very sure that you know what needs to be done and what comes after graduation. It is not easy for everyone to foresee 3 to 4 years in the future but worry not; you can adjust it along the way.

Take into account that should your abilities become too good for the market back home, create and you'll be one of the pioneers or continue life abroad, and let the world consume you. Hey, this sounds critical and it isn't entirely true. You're right; it isn't. This is a condition that appears in many returnees. They find it difficult to lower themselves to fit in a place they've lived for most of their lives. It's reasonable to feel so because when they left, they were protected students and they came back to reality. On the one hand, they think there's this halo above holding a foreign degree. On the other, the immediate impact of not finding one's self-worth will shock and sometimes devastate one's ego.

Simply put, if you'd like to go get a degree with a plan, that's good. The challenge comes afterward. If you'd like to experience for a few months, that's also good. Be open and take as much as you can to life back home.

[Doubters]

Finally, we've gone through schooling... no. Typically speaking, people find work and travel opportunities when they finished college. There may be a time when you don't know what to do or just want to find something that is exciting, trendy and blog-worthy. Sorry, people don't say "blog" anymore. I stand corrected "IG-worthy". Another timing may be high school. Since guys in Taiwan has mandatory military service, if you go before you finish it, you will not be going for long (less than three months). What's good about that is you "should" be mentally ahead of your younger classmates as you return. On the flip side, you may finish school first but you'll wait another 4 months or so, depending on the regulation at the moment, to finish the military service/training.

Working in a different country sounds awesome but it's more like hard-laboring or part-timing. You're likely to be doing things that don't require too much thinking while getting paid what is low to them but high to you. To make an analogy, it could be like how people describe Taiwanese military service, except you make more than NTD 7.5 an hour. In both of them, you'll see discrimination, racism, sexism, and whatnot. Also, it depends on how you spend your time.

There you have it, our analysis on challenging yourself out there. Nothing's definite and there are always different pros and cons to various people. You just need to weigh it according to your character, life, and career.

Final warning, if you can't/ won't understand this piece, well, you'll be forced to go to a language school before anything happens. Save your time and money.

#education