Is the Age of Study Abroad as Small as Possible?

Introduction 

Most students today believe that studying abroad is one of the most exciting and beneficial experiences in life. By studying abroad, they get a chance to learn in a foreign country and take in the culture and appeal of a new world (Hughes, 2018). Unfortunately, most parents usually decide not to allow their children to study abroad in high school, and wait for them to do so during their college years. This has been attributed to their fear of having their kid study abroad for a year or a semester when they are still young. Contrarily, those who experience studying abroad in their college years cite that it is actually one of their biggest regrets. It is obvious that high school and college are two totally distinct worlds, with college life being more standardized than the high school one across nations (Pros, 2017). This means that students get to experience a somewhat similar familiarity to what they observe at home. 

On the other hand, students studying abroad during high school tend to experience things that can only be experienced at that time in that specific nation. Recently, there has been a debate as to just how young a child can be allowed to study abroad. The question of whether or not the age of study abroad is small enough has emerged and this paper tries to answer this particular question. 

Discussion 

Studying abroad usually instills a lifelong passion for participating in intercultural associations. As already indicated, it gives students a chance to adapt a new language, culture, and other traditions that may be the norm of the foreign country (Nandi, 2016). Successful study abroad experiences generally foster an interest in lifetime learning that surpasses the four years of undergraduate superior learning. There has never been a student who came back home from a study abroad trip and did not have at least a single life-transforming experience to testify to. Before discussing the issue of age, it is important to understand why students choose to study abroad (George & Carvalho, 2014). To start with, there are more chances for them at more affordable rates. In most nations, tuition fees are quite high for college students and surprisingly low for high schoolers. 

The cost of living is also quite low in high school as learners do not have expenses such as gas, loans, rent, and other additional expenses, given that they reside with a host family school. Secondly, studying abroad allows for individual development in a way that would not be possible by staying at home (Hughes, 2018). Living and travelling on their own gives students a sense of independence, while at the same time expanding their world views greatly. This is particularly true for younger children (Pros, 2017). Thirdly, learning abroad gives the students a chance to establish new friendships and associations that will go a long way in future. Furthermore, these students will bring the entire newly learned skills home with them. 

Studying abroad is considered a significant decision to make and prior to taking the initiative the student should be well equipped and comfortable with the notion of being away from family, culture and friends. Once he has considered all of this, age should, therefore, not be important. Maturity and age are at times not connected so age should actually not be considered as a factor when choosing whether or not a student is prepared to study abroad or not (Nandi, 2016). Safety should be of the top most priority no matter the age of the person, in addition to how responsible the student is (George & Carvalho, 2014). Leaving home for study abroad is considered a rite of passage for a majority of young individuals. Moreover, most families view studies abroad as a chance to broaden their kids’ minds and increase their opportunities for success. 

What some parents may not realize is that boarding can actually be quite tough for young kids, especially those sent abroad when they are as young as 11 years. These parents believe they can protect their kids from the pressures of local learning. Others, on the other hand, want to cultivate independence, not realizing that young kids are not yet ready to be independent (Hughes, 2018). Notably, experiencing puberty in an institution can have a huge impact, given that adolescent years are a time of great transformations and sexual awareness. Being in a boarding school abroad can create extra issues which include not having family to talk about these transformations with, relationship problems, and lack of privacy. 

The common belief that is with today’s society is that the ages of 19 and 24 years are crucial, when most individuals pursue superior learning. By the age of 30 years, they are anticipated to have settled in a well paying job and have a family of their own (Pros, 2017). Many are the times when people say that age is simply a number and that there is no age perimeter for acquiring information. Although some individuals may desire to study abroad during their 30s or early 40s, they tend to be absorbed with confusions on acquiring a degree from a university abroad (Nandi, 2016). These confusions may be due to family duties, or monetary issues (George & Carvalho, 2014). Some parents believe that 18 years is the age when most kids reach psychological maturity; while others believe that it is only after completing their college kids get the ability to think maturely and autonomously. 

Benefits of study abroad for older students 

The notion of starting early or late to study abroad is based on one’s personal thoughts, and where one wants to see themselves in a few years’ time. Considering the stereotype that only 18 year olds and 21 year olds can study abroad, nothing could be further from the truth (Hughes, 2018). A number of study abroad programs for adults have emerged where students are usually between 25 years and above. Some are even older and others may not even have kids (Nandi, 2016). These programs are well aware of the fact that most adults may have a number of reasons for wanting to study abroad later in life (Pros, 2017). While some may want to study abroad because they desire to get a promotion or their children are away from home and they finally have time to pursue their own desires, others may be experiencing midlife crises or transition and thus need a change of scenery as soon as possible. 

One of the greatest benefits of study abroad for older individuals is that it helps them to push themselves. Contrary to young students who believe that studying abroad is simply a major hook up, older students are much wiser. They are not only well equipped to utilize the experience to build themselves, but also improve their life skills (George & Carvalho, 2014). On the other hand, similar to young students studying abroad, older students also get a chance to learn about themselves and others. Mature students are likely to be more relieved than anything when not included on all the partying that younger students engage in. interestingly, studying abroad when one is older makes them have an appreciation of the chance at hand (Hughes, 2018). They are less fearful, more joyful to go places on their own, and travel. 

Limitations of study abroad for older students 

A majority of mature individuals who decide to pursue higher learning abroad tend to also have a career. Combining these two can be quite tiring. If one is working at their own job and studying at the same time, they will need energy and time management skills (Pros, 2017). Secondly, a mature student is more likely to correct lecturers or tolerate them addressing the older students like they do not know anything. To make matters worse, some of these lecturers may be the older student’s age. This can be quite frustrating and will test one’s patience. Thirdly, similar to younger students, mature learners also experience culture shock when they opt to study abroad (Nandi, 2016). They tend to miss how things are back home and what they have been used to most of their lives. 

Benefits of study abroad for younger students 

Traveling abroad to a new country can be quite scary even for grown adults. No one would be blamed for feeling nervous about the notion of study abroad. However, one benefit of doing so at a younger age is that the student has a safety net. No one expects younger students to survive on their own, especially in a foreign nation (George & Carvalho, 2014). Since programs usually place them with a host family, the younger students will have a homely setting to come back to at the end of the day. There are also additional checks and balances put in place to guarantee that the younger learners are taken care of and equipped for any hardships that may emerge, with the inclusion of emergencies (Hughes, 2018). 

Secondly, it is more likely for a younger student studying abroad to form friendships than an older one. Older students study abroad with an aim of acquiring additional skills, information and language that will help them in their present career. Contrarily, younger students enjoy forming new and foreign friendships because they have a tendency to be strong and deep (Pros, 2017). The chances of making friends for life are quite high. Thirdly, study abroad as a younger individual allows for the student to add impressive experiences to their resume. This is because it demonstrates an ability to be flexible, creative, adventurous, and open-minded, something which is an added plus. 

Limitations of study abroad for younger students 

As already indicated anyone of any given age can feel homesick and miss their family while studying abroad. However, younger students are more likely to be hit hard with this particular reality as they are still dependent on their caregivers or parents (Nandi, 2016). What most young learners fail to realize is that studying abroad is not similar to traveling independently or studying in college (George & Carvalho, 2014). There is usually some form of support network to direct them through. Unfortunately, if things do not work out, it is harder for young students to know how to cope without their usual support network around them. 

Conclusion 

It is common for people to believe that one is not yet ready to study abroad until they reach a certain age. While some believe that the age of 11 years is quite appropriate, others argue that it is too early and that one should wait until their college years to study abroad. It is, therefore, impossible to tell whether or not the age of study abroad is as small as possible. For now, it is simply a question of how responsible and safe one is. 

References 

George, C., & Carvalho, C. (2014). ‘ Not all students are mature enough to study abroad .’ Retrieved on 1 June 2019 from https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-education/article/1610671/not-all-children-are-mature-enough-study-abroad 

Hughes, J. (2018). ‘ Six reasons why it’s never too late to study abroad .’ Retrieved on 1 June 2019 from https://www.bachelorstudies.com/article/six-reasons-why-its-never-too-late-to-study-abroad/ 

Nandi, D. (2016). ‘ What’s the right age to study abroad? ’ Retrieved on 1 June 2019 from https://www.hotcoursesabroad.com/india/why-study-abroad/all-about-studying-abroad/right-age-to-study-abroad/ 

Pros, N. (2017). ‘ Why your child shouldn’t wait until college to study abroad .’ Retrieved on 1 June 2019 from https://www.forbes.com/sites/noodleeducation/2017/05/17/why-your-child-shouldnt-wait-until-college-to-study-abroad/#6417a2c32635