The Pros and Cons of International and Domestic Education

“Just like everything else in this world, international education comes with its downsides”

There are many differences between international and domestic learning, just some of which include the curriculums covered and the physical geography of students, teachers and institutions. But should international education be weighed above the more traditionally internal forms of education? Or are they just different, but viable, in their own right? 

So, what are the pros of International learning?

International education is all about learning in an environment that exceeds national borders and encompasses the views – whether political, social or cultural – of communities beyond one’s own. Examples of this included study abroad schemes, overseas partnerships, and curriculums that focus on material beyond the country of learning.

The globalisation of education, and the ability to communicate freely with institutions around the world – through the evolution of technology – means that we can now share ideas, travel, work and learn without the constraints of borders. It is easier for people to travel now more than ever. With things like promo codes available online, it is more economic not just to study abroad, but also to experience a gap year too. Here are just a few of the pros that come with this:

  • Study Abroad Schemes: Study abroad schemes expand the cultural understanding of our students. This means opening up our doors to overseas students, as well as letting our own students experience education abroad. This helps students and teachers to communicate with and understand other cultures, people and geographies that would usually be inaccessible.
  • School Partnerships: School partnerships allow different educational institutions to partner up. These relationships help with the transfer of ideas and learning materials. This fosters positive international relationships.

So, what are the cons of international education?

Just like everything else in this world, international education comes with its downsides. Here are a few of the cons to consider:

  • The Cost of Studying Overseas: Studying overseas may be costly. This is one of the main pitfalls of international education, though the accessibility of travel over the last decade (with the rise of discount promo codes and affordable travel) may point toward a change in this in the future.
  • Language Barriers: Language barriers can lead to negative experiences for both students and professionals, and can lead to negative cultural outlooks.

So, What About Domestic Education?

Domestic education is the process by which students and teachers enter the educational system in their country of origin. This type of education is a means of generating an understanding of national course material, which is often focussed on a singular curriculum. Here are the pros:

  • An Understanding of National Frameworks: A focus on the national curriculum gives students and professional educators the opportunity to really understand the issues that reside within our community.
  • Traditional Learning Environments: Keeping in line with more traditional learning environments gives professionals the routine that they need to really connect with, and teach, their students.

So, What About the Cons of Domestic Education?

There are a few cons that come with a more internalised form of education. These include the following:

  • Considering Global Education: Both students and staff may miss an opportunity to learn from, and understand people from, other cultures.
  • Learning Differently: Many students do not necessarily gain a full understanding of their curriculum through reading and writing. The experience of travel can afford a lot of students with an experienced to draw from.

The world is beginning to establish a solid preference for an all-encompassing, cross-cultural and globally accepted educational option.

Whether you are an advocate for one or for the other, the main priority is that our learning, teaching and understanding is optimised to give both students and professionals the best out of education.

About the author: This article has been written by Mary Simper, a content writer and international education advocate. She studies a distance learning Creative Writing Degree and has recently done a module on the translation of texts both linguistically and across genres, media and cultures.