Everything in life is about the opportunity cost. This is when you ask, “Should I do this, or that,” and “Which pays off more in the end?” College is a great example of an opportunity cost that I made three years ago. I also recently made the choice to study abroad in Australia; I saw studying abroad as more than just an opportunity to find myself, which is why I made the financial investment to discover, for myself, The REAL Opportunity Cost of Studying Abroad.
Although I have only been in Australia for less than a month, this is what I have found to be the REAL opportunity cost of studying abroad:
Reality check:
Going somewhere new, you will most likely experience culture shock, which will be a good thing! Getting a new, and worldly perspective, will help you see without rose-colored glasses. You will notice what you take for granted, and discover what is most important to you. From my own experience, I quickly became very thankful for what I have, and realized how truly privileged I am. Plus, who knows when you will ever get the chance to live in a different country for a few months, or longer, and have less to worry about.
Evolve into the person you want to become:
Throughout college people generally go through a huge transformation, therefore there will be the opportunity to completely redefine yourself. Let’s say you are sick of the way your life is going, the people you are around, or you just hate the weather. Studying abroad provides the opportunity to get away, clear your mind and redefine what is important to you. This will rejuvenate yourself to make new and positive steps in your life, which may include leaving what you had behind and starting a new page in your life.
Augment your self-confidence and independence:
From flight transfers, to visa applications, banking issues, and home sickness, by the end of your studies you can truly declare your own independence; you were able to do everything on your own, and when you doubted your reasons to being thousands of miles away from home you only counted on yourself. If you can do what you did in a foreign country, you can be even more independent and confident in your native country, or anywhere in the world for that matter.
Learning opportunities, personal, professional and educational growth:
I suggest that you study abroad in a country you may want to live in; then you can network and make connections with businesses and professionals in the area who can later provide you with references when you move! Studying abroad also means that you will be meeting people from all over the world. Making new friends can also mean even more traveling and exploring in the future to build on the friendships you make while abroad.
Regardless of your reasoning, I highly suggest to all college students, whether the funds are easily accessible, or scholarship essays needed to written 24/7, studying abroad can change your life. So, to those who are considering, or now considering after reading this post, I suggest that you seize the day, Carpe Diem! Do not miss out on the chance of a lifetime; the costs are well worth it.
