International exchange for study purposes is considered beneficial by researchers in education. This essay will discuss the advantages and disadvantages that international exchange can offer.
The major advantage of sending teenagers abroad for a certain period is cultural exchange. Students will experience a different medium of education and gain insights about new countries. This will stimulate communication skills and adaptability in students, which in turn will benefit them in their future activities. Another positive aspect of international exchange lies in reflection and analysis. Educational systems can vary significantly, starting from classrooms and finishing with the syllabus. Hence, a student immersed in a new type of educational approach will start to think differently and possibly may bring this mindset back to their home country.
However, educational exchange is not always seen in a positive light. It has been reported that some students tend to violate the school’s code of conduct, which causes harm to both the hosting school and the guest school. Distraction in the classroom disrupts the flow of the lesson and lowers the total productivity, meaning that both local and international students learn significantly less due to the interruption. Another problem lies in the psychological aspect, as not all students are able to adapt to the country or its education in such a short period. This may cause the student to lose interest in overseas education and become more hostile towards multicultural environments.
To conclude, international exchange has far more benefits compared to its drawbacks. The students gain new knowledge and experience and become “global citizens”. While disadvantages are present, it is possible to eliminate them through certain disciplinary measures and the assignment of a responsible adult.