It is argued that undergraduate courses should include a period of overseas study or work placement. Although this requirement may reduce the time students spend on academic courses, I believe that the practical experience and broader perspectives gained from these activities mean that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
On the one hand, studying abroad or completing an internship can significantly improve students’ personal and professional abilities. Overseas education enables students to interact with people from different cultural backgrounds, which helps them develop the ability to adapt to multicultural environments and communicate effectively with others. Moreover, studying in another country may allow students to access academic resources and advanced technologies directly without relying entirely on translated materials. In addition, work placements provide valuable opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in real situations. For example, during an electrical engineering internship, students may participate in designing, fabricating and testing circuit prototypes, which can improve their practical problem-solving skills.
On the other hand, requiring all students to undertake such activities may create certain difficulties. The main concern is that students may have less time and energy to focus on their university courses. As overseas study and internships usually require significant commitment, some students may struggle to balance practical experience with academic responsibilities. Furthermore, studying abroad can place financial pressure on students, particularly those from families with limited economic resources.
In conclusion, although overseas study and work placements may increase students’ academic and financial pressure, I believe these disadvantages are relatively minor compared with the long-term benefits. The ability to gain practical experience, improve communication skills and understand different cultures can greatly contribute to students’ future development. Therefore, the advantages of including such opportunities in undergraduate courses outweigh the disadvantages.