Nepalese Students Studying Abroad – Good or Bad?

The trend of Nepalese students going abroad for studies is not a new concept it has existed since the earlier generations in 1902. During that period the Government of Nepal sent eight Nepali students to study in Japan. The people who left the Country to abroad study were youths and the first female reported to have studied abroad is Angur Baba Joshi. In the modern world today the significance and the impact of international education in advanced areas of subjects have flourished like no other. If people earlier had some degrees for advanced studies now this generation has multiple options from the best of the best Colleges and Universities abroad.  

The intermediary to bridge the connection between one country to study higher education in another well-developed country is mainly Education Consultancies which look upon all requirements and placements of students to the right universities and programs at an affordable cost. Today there are some finest Colleges and Universities in most international Countries where people want to continue their abroad education. Some of the most preferred destinations with top-notch quality universities, academic programs, research, and polytechnic studies are The United States of America, The United Kingdom, Australia, RUSSIA, China, Germany, Canada, New Zealand, France, India, Spain, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Japan, Portugal, Singapore Thailand, Netherlands, Italy, South Korea, and Sri Lanka.  

All these Countries have a premium education system from primary to higher level degrees in technical and non-technical fields. Another factor is with degrees obtained from Universities abroad more and more students have also gained upper hand to get good-paying jobs in multinational Companies and become global citizens as well. 

The demand for professionals in job markets with good qualifications and work experience is always prevalent. So not only to gain knowledge in different fields like Business, Engineering, Medicine, IT, Computer Science, Hospitality, Agriculture, art and design, etc. but also to have a skilled and saleable human resource for the Organizations the employers are looking for a chain of prospective employees from the pool of university graduates with particular expertise also. Most of the students from foreign Countries and South Asia are migrating abroad to get the required degrees from international Universities which is also a matter of privilege. The trends over the years have increased year by year. 

Most of them have completed their degrees and settled there with a suitable career while others have returned to serve in their Country. You can see the demographic trend of students leaving for abroad education over the past few years below: 

The above data clearly shows that the population trend for abroad studies and investments has grown significantly more current than it was in the past.  

Mostly preferred international destinations for Nepalese students are listed as follows:                                                                     

Why study abroad? 

Whether applying for graduate-level or post-graduate study, the number of Nepalese students applying to international universities for admission is rising quickly every year. Although it is frequently referred to as the "brain drain," if it is carefully considered, students can advance in their careers. We should therefore also take the benefits of studying abroad into consideration. Let's examine some important benefits of studying abroad. 

Academic Benefits of Studying Abroad: 

• Admission is not very challenging:  

International colleges place a great priority on students who have strong academic backgrounds and reliable financial assistance. Although it can be challenging to get into prestigious overseas institutions or universities, the competition is not as intense as it is in Nepal. 

• Maximum alternatives are available:  

The availability of the widest range of possibilities affects the decision to study abroad: That is the availability of various professional paths and educational opportunities. There are few courses offered in Nepal's top higher education institutions other than the well-liked Main Stream selections (STEM Course - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Students are frequently driven by this to transfer to universities abroad. 

• Education quality:  

International universities and colleges have embraced a more collaborative and participatory technique through the use of case studies and experiential learning. There is still a significant gap between practical and theoretical courses, with a focus on theory. Students' appropriate development results from this, and their desire in learning also rises. 

• Better research chances:  

The Nepalese Institute of Higher Education lags considerably behind its international counterparts in terms of research opportunities. Resources and financial assistance for Ph.D. programs in Nepal are still insufficient. Research (research) cannot work even though the majority of students still do not have financial support despite their potential and desire. When compared to Nepalese institutions, foreign universities receive far more funding for the construction of research facilities and invest in them, giving students enough financial aid to finish their research projects. 

• Better employment and career prospects: 

A candidate's resume is more effective if they have a degree from a foreign college or university. If compared to students from any other Nepalese university or institute, those with degrees from foreign universities are generally more likely to secure a job with competitive pay packages. 

• Migration facility:  

Because it is possible to move overseas after graduating from a foreign university, the majority of Nepalese look for alternative studies abroad so they can continue to live effectively. Graduate students especially those who enroll at foreign universities sometimes desire to work in the same nation where they study. Many nations, including the USA and Canada, have highly welcoming immigration regulations for students studying there, making it easy for them to obtain jobs after completing their studies. 

Disadvantages of studying abroad 

It's only natural to think about the glitziest aspects of your vacation as you start to prepare for your study abroad adventure. And while you're bound to have a few real-life movie moments, having such high expectations may confuse your understanding of what is going to happen. 

Therefore, be sure to take into account these 5 drawbacks of studying abroad before you begin your planning: 

1. Linguistic challenges and culture shock 

2. You are by yourself. 

3. The Expenses of Studying Abroad 

4. You Might Not Transfer Your Credits 

5. You might not be covered by your home country's health insurance abroad. 

Continue reading to get hints and suggestions to assist you in overcoming these obstacles! 

First drawback: linguistic challenges and culture shock  

Your success as a study abroad student will depend on your ability to communicate effectively. It's critical to understand the standard of fluency that will be expected of you if there is a language barrier. 
Are classes conducted in the native tongue? Will your professors anticipate that you can talk and write clearly? Will you be able to converse with locals and other students? 
You can also feel startled by the abrupt cultural change. There may be differences in everything from the food and religious customs to the transportation and dress codes of your native country. 
Unfortunately, this culture shock can make people feel frustrated, anxious, and homesick. Even when carrying out the most routine duties, these variations can cause significant levels of stress if you are not equipped to deal with them. 

Solutions:  

• Check with potential colleges and programs to determine if they offer courses in your language. 
• Before you leave, use translation and navigation apps, and online language learning tools, and save crucial routes and words. 
• Locate regions where speakers of your native tongue are most likely to be found, and make contact with both locals and students who are studying abroad in such areas. 
• Read about other students' study abroad experiences by subscribing to a travel blog for students. 
• Join a conversation room to ask former study abroad students any questions you may have. 
• Before you travel, learn about local expectations and cultural standards. 

Second drawback: You're on your own 

It can be incredibly scary to figure out how to go around on your own in a foreign country. You might be encountering certain aspects of independence for the first time. You may not have ever traveled outside of your nation of residence or lived alone. 

You must have adequately prepared for this shift because some of the worst symptoms of culture shock (sadness, anxiety, a sensation of isolation or alienation) might arise from the awareness that your friends and family are no longer beside you. 

Solutions:  

• Connect with your student mentor by requesting their email address from your guidance counselor. 
• Once enrolled in study abroad courses, use the class roster to connect with other students and build relationships, or ask the instructor for suggestions or guidance. 
• Become a member of a club or volunteer organization that your host program, university, or community offers. 
• Contact the program counselors and volunteers assigned to help you if you're traveling abroad with a study organization. 
• Through apps like Viber and Skype, stay in touch with your loved ones. 

The cost of studying abroad is another drawback. 

When studying abroad, costs such as airfare, tuition, accommodation and board, meals, supplies, utilities, local transportation, and the general cost of living can quickly mount up. In fact, according to the International Institute of Education, a semester of study abroad typically costs roughly $18,000. 

Your costs may differ significantly depending on your preferred location, college, and study abroad organization (as well as whether you have part-time employment, scholarships, or financial aid).

Solutions  

• Including beginning early and obtaining a scholarship. You can use iie.com to search among thousands of studies abroad fellowships, grants, scholarships, and paid internships. 
• To find out if you qualify for financial aid, check with your program or school (or to see if your financial aid will transfer to a pre-approved program). 
• Fill out this cost worksheet supplied by Michigan State University to determine the overall cost of your program; make a budget and start saving money now! 
• Examine the historical exchange rate as well as the rate now, and think about how changes in the exchange rate can affect your spending plan. 
• Sites like Chegg, Campus Book Rentals, and Amazon provide secondhand textbook purchases and rentals. 
• Before going abroad, take a second job to get some quick money; if you're interested in working abroad, see goabroad.com (but beware of working regulations for international students). 

Fourth-ranked drawback: Your Credits Might Not Transfer 

Worst case scenario: you receive an invitation to study abroad from a foreign university or study program. Throughout your studies, you cheerfully accept and accumulate several credits, but when you return home, you discover that your overseas credits do not transfer to your home college or university. 
You will not only have wasted a significant amount of your hard-earned money on courses taken abroad that do not count toward your degree, but this potential setback may also prevent you from graduating on schedule. 

Most of the time, the study abroad programs that your current university could accept will be offered. Outside of the pre-approved programs, your university will work with you if there is a specific program or institution you would like to attend - but not always. 
Fortunately, by doing the following procedures, you may ensure that your credits will transfer to your local university. 

Solutions: 

• Make sure the college or program you choose to study abroad is authorized. 
• Before agreeing to a study abroad invitation, get your study abroad credits approved by your home university; this will ensure that you graduate on time. 
• Pre-approving at least twice as many courses as you want to take will ensure that you have options in case your top choices are canceled or become full. 
• Contact your home institution as soon as possible if you need to enroll for a class that you weren't able to get pre-approved for; the staff there might be able to approve your courses even after you've gone. 
• Find out if you will be required to apply for credit transfers when you return to your home country or if your credits will transfer automatically. 
• Keep notes from your classes and work so you can respond to inquiries from your home university regarding the assignments you did while away. 

A final drawback: You Might Not Be Covered Abroad by Your Home Country's Health Insurance 

You could believe, like many others, that when you travel abroad, your domestic health insurance will still protect you. Although coverage levels can vary, some domestic health insurance includes coverage for unanticipated illnesses or injuries sustained abroad. Other home country health plans don't offer any international coverage at all, so you can be entirely responsible for any costs associated with unplanned medical care. 

For precisely this reason, most educational institutions and study abroad programs demand that students carry health insurance. Additionally, even though they might provide their own foreign student health insurance, this isn't always your only choice. If you can provide documentation of comparable coverage, you might be entitled to shop around and choose your student health plan. 

Solutions:  

• Determine whether you have any foreign coverage by reviewing your domestic health insurance or contacting your insurance provider (and whether this coverage is sufficient). 
• To find out if you can buy your student health plan, go to an advisor for your program or institution. 
• Find out what health insurance your program and visa requirements are. 
• Think about the advantages that are most significant to you. (For instance, you might prefer a plan that includes some prescription medicine coverage or sports coverage.) 
• Compare the costs and advantages of foreign student health coverage by doing some research. 

Remember: You don't have to sacrifice health insurance because you're studying abroad on a tight budget. A good student health insurance policy may provide affordable plan alternatives and a total maximum benefit of $200,000 or more.