Because of the prospering economic development throughout the world, more and more people can afford to study overseas. Some people think that studying overseas is a good idea while some people do not think so. In this essay, I would like to share with you my views on the pros and cons of studying abroad after completing Secondary Three.
The advantage of studying overseas is to improve our English. Students are exposed to a rich English environment after they go to the European countries. Since English is the major language in these places, they have no choice but to speak in English only. Also, everything they see and hear is in English. This forces them to use and practice it so their English must improve.
Another important advantage is to allow students to experience different cultures. Every country has its own life-style. Their food, festivals, traditions and cultures will be different from that of Hong Kong. For example, western countries will celebrate Halloween by giving or receiving candies while Hong Kong people may go to Ocean Park and have fun in the haunted house. Even we can know other cultures through books and internets, it is not as wonderful as getting the first-hand experience of the cultures of each place. It is a good chance to widen your horizons and enrich your life experience.
However, there are still worries of studying abroad after completing Secondary Three. A serious disadvantage is that not every place is as safe as Hong Kong. Parents will be afraid that their children may get in danger accidentally. For instance, Americans are allowed to have guns for protecting themselves but it actually reveals another problem. Terrorist attacks and campus gun shootings are more frequent than other places. Therefore, safety concern is a big factor affecting parents’ decisions.
Moreover, it may be too young for a pre-form four student to study abroad. They are not mature and independent enough to take care of themselves. Their life skill is not skillful to solve every problem alone. No one is around them to help them so they will make a wrong decision easily. Furthermore, it is not easy for them to adapt to a totally different environment. It really causes a big problem for students to study abroad after completing Secondary Three.
In my opinion, I disagree students study overseas after finishing their form three education. Other than the above disadvantages, students may suffer from homesickness. It is easy for them to miss their family and friends in Hong Kong. Many family moments will be lost and this may even worsen family relationship.
To conclude, it is too early for students to study abroad after completing Secondary Three. It may bring a reverse effect if it is too early to do so.