Studying abroad vs studying in India – Which will you go for?

The decision about your higher education is not one to make lightly. This decision can shape your career, determine the starting pay package you can ask for, influence the employment opportunities that open to you and many other things. While an impressive 1.3 million students from India study abroad, you may still question if this is right for you. The common concerns for Indian students are:

• Will I be able to afford it?
• How will I manage away from family and friends?
• Will I adjust to a new lifestyle surrounded by new people and a new culture?
• What about the language barrier?

All of these concerns are valid, and you should think about them well before you make your decision. Let us help you understand if these concerns are insurmountable and whether studying abroad is for you.

Factors to consider when studying abroad

These are the factors to consider when deciding between studying in India or abroad.

• What is your dream programme?

If you have great passion and aptitude for a subject area, it is a good move to get academic qualifications in the same field. This helps make a career that will give you the best job satisfaction and opportunity to develop. First, identify your area of interest and decide what academic qualification to achieve.

Next, research whether Indian universities offer this programme and if they are well-reputed. In many cases, you may find that overseas universities offer more programme options and majors and specialisations than Indian institutions.

• How much can you afford to spend?

Many students believe the biggest roadblock to studying abroad is the cost involved. It is not just that the tuition fees are higher but also other costs, such as:

• Travel to and from another country
• Living expenses during study
• Accommodation during study
• Visa/ immigration costs when you go

If you are studying in India, you can avoid most of these costs. But you must remember that there are scholarships available covering a big chunk of the overseas education expense, or at least the main cost components like tuition fees.

• What are your career goals?

If you have always dreamed of working in a multinational company or a big global brand, then an education from a university abroad will help give you an edge over your peers. Many companies prefer candidates who can seamlessly integrate with teams from different parts of the world. When you study abroad, you are exposed to this kind of environment. If you want to make a career in a specialist area, studying abroad is a good decision. More specialisations are offered by universities abroad.

• How comfortable are you staying away from family/ friends?

The cost of travelling to and from overseas study destinations makes it difficult to make frequent visits back home. If you have responsibilities at home in India or aren't comfortable staying away from your family or friends, studying in India is the better option for you.

Studying in India- what it means 

Before you decide, analyse the pros and cons against each other.

Advantages of studying in India 

• Easy on your finances: Studying in India may be cheaper than studying abroad, meaning you do not have to worry about loans and repayment. If you study in your hometown, you don’t have to worry about living expenses, and even if you study in a different city, the costs are reasonable.
• Familiar surroundings: It’s easy to get around and integrate anywhere in India because of the familiar environment. You may have relatives or friends in your new city who can help. The culture and traditions are similar, meaning you can fit in quickly anywhere within India.
• Easy access to family/ friends: If you live in a different city, you can go back home in hours or days, given the distance and mode of transport. Within India, you can travel cheaply via train to get back home.
• No language problems: It is easy to get around anywhere in India with English, Hindi and your mother tongue. You won't have to learn a new language.

Disadvantages of studying in India 

• Too much competition: Every year, many students try their best to get admission to top colleges, meaning strong competition.
• Restricted worldview: Studying in India prevents you from getting exposure to people from other countries and keeps your worldview restricted.
• Infrastructure constraints: Apart from the top-rated colleges in India, not all institutions have world-class facilities that can add value to your academic training.
• Less research: If you plan to head into research after your studies, your options within India are limited, and so is research funding.

Advantages of studying abroad

• Global exposure: The chance to interact with people from all parts of the world is an opportunity to gain a global perspective. You'll learn how to work with peers from different backgrounds and cultures is a great advantage of studying abroad. Employers give great value to this as well.
• Learn at the best institutions in the world: If you are willing to study abroad, you have access to the best-in-the-world universities that can give you highly regarded credentials.
• Practical overseas experience: Most universities have industry connections that provide internship or project opportunities with brands and companies at your study location. This gives you invaluable experience working outside India.
• Great research opportunities: The focus given to research abroad is impressive, and you will find that funding is available. A majority of the students complete their research and stay on as faculty members. Some students return to India and take up teaching assignments or find relevant jobs. They have the benefit of having a resume that can impress prospective employers.
• Gain work experience in a foreign country: Most of the popular study destinations allow international students to remain in the country for up to 3 years after graduation. This gives you ample time to explore job opportunities and gain international work experience, after which, you can expect a better pay package back home.
• A chance to realise your dream: You won't be on this page if you have not been dreaming of studying abroad. It is no longer a distant dream that only a few chosen people can afford. Today with the number of education loans and scholarships on offer, international higher education is much more accessible. If you can submit proper documents, have a good academic track record and meet the eligibility criteria set by the bank, an education loan is guaranteed.

Disadvantages of studying abroad 

• The financial burden: The biggest worry most students have about studying abroad is the higher cost. The cost of tuition fees, living expenses, travel, and your visa can all add up. If you cannot afford it, you may need a bank loan, which means a financial responsibility for a significant few years.
• Visa/ Immigration: It is not always a simple process to get a visa, and political events often impact how difficult it can be. The process involves costs and delays.
• Distance from family/ friends: It is not easy or affordable to make quick trips back to India to meet family and friends whenever you miss them. Even in an emergency, you may not be able to get back home.
• Language challenge: You must ensure that your English language ability allows you to communicate effectively, or you can face challenges.

How to make the right choice?

This is a decision that only you can make. What works for a friend or family member may not be right for you. So, how do you make the right decision?

• Make an informed decision, which means collecting information, and basing your decision on facts.
• Weighing the pros and cons of both options based on how much each matters to you personally. For example, the language issue may not be much of a challenge if you love learning new languages.
• Discuss with peers or seniors who have recently gone abroad to study and those who have opted to study in India instead. Talk about career opportunities, pay scales, ease of study, finances and all other major concerns and compare notes from both parties to get a true picture.
• Give priority to the academic quality, how well it fits your needs and your prospects after completing your degree. This is the main objective, so don’t compromise on any aspect.
• Finally, talk to the experts. Discuss your needs and then learn all about the options by talking to our counsellors at IDP. We can give you all the information needed and help you decide what works best for you.

India offers many advantages, and with several elite institutions offering programmes in every subject area, you can find a programme that gives you a great base for a lucrative career. However, studying abroad also has its share of benefits to offer. The advantage of gaining exposure to a new culture and the chance to live independently boosts your confidence levels.

Consider the value a degree from a well-known university aboard carries with it in the global marketplace. The decision to study in India or abroad must be made by each student on their own, considering their unique circumstances and needs. However, do not let anxieties about settling into a new country or mingling with unfamiliar people prevent you from taking up a great offer to study abroad and open your horizons. 

Editor's note: This article was originally published in March 2016 by our content writer, Mahesh Ramani and previously updated by Roshna Mohan. We have since revised it to include up-to-date information and ensure its comprehensiveness.