Nowadays many people prefer to study or live in foreign countries. While studying and living abroad brings many benefits to individuals, it also has a number of disadvantages. What are the advantages and disadvantages of leaving your country to live or study abroad? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Moving out into a foreign country for the purpose of residing or heightening their education is believed by many to be the key method of broadening one’s horizon. Starting afresh in a new environment is sought by many as tons of opportunities may encounter them. Apart from that, children are often encouraged by parents to go abroad owing to the independence that they could gain which may be viewed as a once in a lifetime experience. Being immersed in a new setting can be uplifting but there will also be some drawbacks. One evident benefit to being a resident of a foreign country is that it would enable greater social skills of an individual. While learning to become an independent person, one will also get the chance to polish their interpersonal skills as having a helping hand will always come in handy especially in an unfamiliar environment. Living and studying abroad also allows people to be adaptive, consequently increasing their flexibility when struck with diverse challenges. For instance, a friend of mine had been spoiled throughout her life up until she had to unwillingly oblige to the one-sided decision that her parents’ made of sending her to China for good. Her 180-degree change stunned everyone as she evolved into a completely different person which left our jaws hanging. On the other hand, there are obvious disadvantages that induce hesitancy in moving or studying abroad. Being miles apart from the closest ones is like being in deep water, arduous and suffocating. Not only for the possible nonfluency of using the local language but also for the significant cultural differences that could not be avoided, particularly the foods. Local delicacies can act as a hurdle as not every cuisine is right up one’s alley. Emotional unreadiness is also responsible for the grueling days of the journey, especially with the mismatched time zone, making communication with friends and relatives tricky. In conclusion, while countless benefits can be received through residing abroad, stumbling blocks will always be encountered. Positive changes can be witnessed through the evolution of one’s character, such as independence, flexibility, sociability, and others. However, roadblocks like adjustments to the cultural differences and emotional burdens will never be out of sight which can only get better with time. (376 words)