Topic 1: Does increasing travels between countries enable people to learn different cultures or to

Topic 89: Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad.
 
(immersion into an environment that can help language learning) ;
(broaden horizons), (match the need of this shrinking world);
(expand opportunities they cannot obtain in their home country), (improve academic backgrounds) ;
(promote academic communications},
(cause cultural shock), (assimilate a new culture);
( overcome difficulty in everyday life),
(high financial expense), ( cost of living )( tuition fees)
(take up a lot of time and energy)
In recent years, there has been a growing trend toward studying abroad among young 
people. When pursuing educational opportunities overseas is widely considered as a life-
transforming opportunity, students should take Oil a number of challenges. Below are some 
specific advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad.
Studying abroad allows one to gain a real knowledge of a new culture and a new 
language. By interacting and communicating with native speakers daily, students can enhance 
their foreign language skills. They will simultaneously explore the values and ways of life of 
the host country. For example, Asian students might be surprised to find that communication 
in Western countries is starkly open and straightforward, in sharp contrast to the intense use 
of non-verbal messages in communication in their home countries. Not surprisingly, even 
simple everyday experiences, such as buying food and mailing letter, call help improve 
language proficiency and promote culture learning, It gives students new perspectives on how 
things are done.
During their overseas trips, many students will learn how to take care of themselves and 
live independently. They might have initial difficulties in fulfilling even the simplest tasks at 
the very beginning, such as grocery shopping, doing laundry, making living arrangements and 
setting accounts for electricity, but before long, they will adapt to the new environment and 
become self-sufficient. Moreover, by interacting with people from different backgrounds, 
overseas students can exercise and improve their social skills, an experience which is of great 
value to their careers later in life. 
While studying abroad has its advantages, it might have its drawbacks. Most of the students 
are lack of life experience when they first travel overseas. Failure to cope with the problems 
that arise from their everyday lives might cause frustration. They feel helpless, suffer 
homesick and in worse cases, have a breakdown.
As suggested above, studying abroad poses both opportunities and challenges. While 
young people can become polyglots and independent individuals, gain opportunities for 
personal growth and develop an appreciation of cultural differences, they have to cope with 
the stress of living overseas.
 
1. life-transforming= life-changing
2. Take on=assume=undertake
3. Proficiency=fluency
4. Self-sufficient=independent=autonomous=self-reliant
5. Breakdown=collapse=depression
6. Polyglot=multilingual individual 
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