In this writing class, we are required to have in-text citations, and also references sheet ~ it drives me crazy, but it is a useful skill to learn.
Education plays an important role in everyone’s life. Some people would have chance to study in a foreign country, and others might study in their home country. Different educational systems may cause distinct results, and students can benefit from trying different ones. There are two advantages to studying abroad: gaining self-confidence, and developing an open mind, but also there is a disadvantage of studying abroad, and that is reverse culture shock.
One benefit of studying abroad is gaining self-confidence. It might help students to know more about themselves. Presenting interesting idea from “Considering the Reasons to Study Abroad” Sullivan (2012) writes, “Studying abroad definitely challenges you on a personal level. Whether you consciously realize it or not, you develop a greater self-confidence.” In other words, it can be a great opportunity to gain self-confidence when people study abroad.
Another advantage of studying abroad is getting a good chance to open one’s mind. For example, to make new friends and to learn different languages are what students would like to try when they study in foreign country. In “The Benefits of Study Abroad,” Dwyer and Peters (2012) write, “When asked about personal growth, 96 percent reported increased self-confidence.” The number tells that most of time people get the chance to change their mind, and get more ability to make themselves become better; moreover, Sullivan (2012) writes, “If you go abroad with an open mind, then you’re certain to return to the U.S. a more enlightened person.” Not only have more knowledge about other culture, but also expand the relationship with other people who come from other countries. 
On the other hand, there is one main disadvantage of studying abroad, and that is reverse culture shock. Because those students are far away from their home, they may get used to new culture, but they will face some challenges when they come back their countries. Interesting idea from “Disadvantages of Studying Abroad” Maria Abroad (2010) states, “ It can be as hard to live in another country as to come back to your own.” Since students are involved in new life style, they might change their habit for different culture. While they go home, thing may be changed. It will confuse them. How to find the best way to balance the old life with the new life will be a new challenge for them.
In conclusion, studying abroad may change a person to mature in different ways, for instance, they will become more independent because they need to make decisions by themselves. They are forced to face those situations alone. As a result, there are two advantages of studying abroad which are gaining self-confidence, and an open mind, but the disadvantage is reverse culture shock. There is a saying “No pain no gain,” so no matter what will happen when people study abroad, the challenge will not beat them down.
References
Abroad, M. (2010, Apr 21), Disadvantages of studying abroad.
Retrieved from http://mariaabroad.com/2010/04/disadvantages-of-studying-abroad/
Dwyer, M. & Peters, K. (2012, May 21) The benefits of study abroad.
Retrieved from http://www.transitionsabroad.com/publications/magazine/0403 /benefits_study_abroad.shtml
Sullivan, E. (2012), Considering the reasons to study .
Retrieved from http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/considering-the-reason
p.s. If you have no idea how to type Reference page, try to click the following website, and it makes citation for you on-line.
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