This is a controversial issue that some people are in favor of studying overseas while some others strongly oppose this idea. I am going to list both the advantages and disadvantages of studying overseas.
The first advantage of studying abroad is that we, teenagers can broaden our horizons at early ages. When we study abroad, we will have more exposure of a different lifestyle. For example, we can try various local cuisine in different countries. When experiencing Western culture, we will know more about their customs.For example, by joining some celebrations of festivals, talking to foreigners, we can understand others’ history and lifestyle, and then try our best to adapt to the culture, in order to communicate efficiently with the surrounding environment. Also, we can learn a foreign language while studying abroad to broaden our horizons. As we are exposed to a language rich environment, unconsciously, it will become compulsory for us to read, write, speak and communicate in that unfamiliar language, forcing ourselves to learn more. It is difficult to do so in HK because HK is multicultural, just like if we are in the compartment of a train, we can hear announcements in different languages through the broadcasting radio. We can experience foreign culture and broaden our horizons if we study abroad.
Another argument in favor of studying overseas is for us to learn to be independent, which is very important in our future when we grow up. When living in a completely different place with different culture, we cannot rely on our protective parents, we have to rely on ourselves. We will learn how to manage our time, the use of limited money, and, which is more important, the attitude of being mature. In a pretty strange environment, we may have to cope with different new problems that we have never met. Under such pressure, we can practise our own problem-skills with no dependence on other people.
As there are brimful advantages, there are drawbacks, the serious problems that we really have to deal with.
One of the disadvantages of studying overseas is that it is not easy for us to adapt to the new environment. It is really challenging when living in a strange place, facing different norm, things, people that we are unfamiliar with. For example, if we go to some big countries like the US and Canada, living in these places with different lifestyle, it will be hard for us to accommodate to the environment. As the countries are so big, it is impossible for us to know the places well in a short period of time, henceforward, we may have to stay home for most of the time, until we have got used to the new conditions. As nearly everybody drives in a big country, the transportation network may not be flawless, there may be infrequent number of runs of buses, trains or vessels. It will be very inconvenient, and our plan may be disturbed. Also, we may not be able to get used to the weather and the food in other countries. These are the major problems that we must get rid of. It is not easy to adapt to the lifestyle in foreign countries.
A serious problem of studying abroad is that we may experience cultural shock. Different places have different kinds of culture, nobody will humour you, so we have to respect and follow other’s culture no matter we want or not. Another point is that westerners are open, we may feel embarrassed when getting along with them, it is an important thing that we have to get used to.
After careful consideration, the pros outweigh the cons. I assent to the idea of studying abroad. For the advantages, we can broaden our horizons and learn to be independent, which are important to our life, raising our competitiveness. Someone may think that the disadvantage outweigh the pros. However, I think that it is also important for us to change ourselves, when living in different places, facing various circumstances. We must learn to accommodate ourselves to the changed situation, in order to survive in the multidimensional world. The earlier we learn, the more competitive we are. In other words, the problems we may face when studying overseas may be also some crucial benefits to our life. As there is more positive impact than the negative, I agree to studying abroad.