With MGC New Life Christian Academy’s (MGCNLCA) recent implementation of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IBPYP), a world-renowned curriculum offered in over a hundred countries, interest in international education is being reignited among the school’s student body. But when considering international education, some of us may feel apprehensive about the stakes and discomfort involved—like spending thousands of dollars to study in a foreign country alone. Nonetheless, despite its hefty financial and personal risks, studying abroad can be rewarding in many ways.
Global Mindset
By immersing ourselves in a diverse environment, we can acquire a global mindset—an ability to connect and empathize with people from other cultures.
Living in a foreign country will make socializing with people from various backgrounds an everyday occurrence. These simple interactions will help us instill a unique mindset that would, otherwise, be difficult to have in a local setting.
Furthermore, with the increasing pace of economic globalization, a global mindset can significantly benefit our careers. It helps people employ international strategies—boosting their efficiency and productivity. Empathy developed from that mindset can also help one hone collaborative skills in a diverse workplace.
The Global Mindset Index Study affirms these advantages, stating that companies prioritizing and promoting employees with global mindsets are more likely to be high-performing. Likewise, these “high performing” companies, surveyed from 1362 business professionals from six continents, are twice as likely to have motivated multicultural teams.
Self-reliance
Living in a foreign country alone for years will compel us to become self-reliant.
For many of us, our stable financial circumstances have sheltered us from the hardships of independent life—such as cooking our meals or driving ourselves to class or work. Living independently without these privileges will go a long way in preparing us for adult life.
We only live once!
Being an undergraduate in university is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so we have to make it count.
If any of us are interested or longing to spend those years abroad—then ask—why not? Our youth is a prime time to discover ourselves, delve into our interests, and hone our passions.
Our university’s community will also be a pivotal part in defining our experience—leading to our future friendships, learnings, and careers. As such, choosing the right environment should be of utmost importance when considering whether or not to study abroad.
Ultimately, the decision to study abroad still relies on one’s interests, preferences, and situation.
Indeed, some students prefer to study locally for personal reasons, and that decision is as respectable as the latter. However, if anyone is interested in studying abroad, they shouldn’t limit themselves. There’s a wide array of universities and colleges beyond our borders, and for those financially challenged, there are also several scholarships for international students.
The value of international education and experience is priceless, so we should carefully evaluate our options and consider the pros and cons. For those intrigued, we shouldn’t miss the opportunity given to us.
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