Top 5 reasons to study abroad in thriving Asia

24 Jan 2020

It’s never been a better time to study in Asia. Cities in the region are seeing economic transformation and development, influx of foreign investment and opening doors to career opportunities in a diverse range of careers.

In the past, students primarily travelled from the east to the west in search of greener pastures when it came to higher education and job opportunities. But in the past decade, the tides are slowly turning as Asian cities see rapid growth.

You could launch your own start-up or you can grow professionally with established companies – there are boundless opportunities to harness your career potential in thriving cities in Asia such as Tokyo, Beijing, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

Career options aside, there is plenty to gain from studying in beautiful Asia. Here are five top reasons if you still need convincing.

Highly-ranked universities

#China #Singapore and other nations of #Asia increasingly top the university rankings for scientific output. Another sign that #TheFutureIsAsian https://t.co/E9j6QumcSY @TheEconomist #tech #globalization #books #Science

— Parag Khanna (@paragkhanna) January 26, 2019

Asian universities are climbing steadily in university rankings year after year. China’s universities are gaining strength, with five ranking in the top 200 in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020.

Malaysian universities, especially the University of Malaya, are also showing strong performances in world rankings, and Singapore’s prestigious Nanyang Technological University and National University of Singapore continue to top Asian charts.

Despite political turmoil, Hong Kong’s universities offer stellar academic experiences for international students, notably Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the University of Hong Kong.

Affordability

While some cities in Asia are very expensive to live in, such as Tokyo and Hong Kong, cost of living and tuition fees are generally lower in Asia compared to popular study abroad destinations in the west like the US and the UK.

Cities like Kuala Lumpur, Chennai and Istanbul are some of the most affordable in Asia according to Mercer’s 2019 Cost of Living Ranking.

Global perspective

As the world becomes increasingly connected and technology allows us to work across geographical divides, there is a need for graduates who have global perspective.

Being exposed to international settings and getting out of your comfort zone back home also helps you shape your own identity, how you perceive people you interact with and helps you grow as a person.

You can easily gain this perspective by studying abroad in Asia, with its melting pot of cultures and nationalities in diverse countries like India and Singapore.

Asia’s universities are typically international in nature with foreign faculty members, partnerships with global organisations and international student population. Many also adapt their courses to include international perspectives while offering insights on Asia.

Cultural immersion and languages

Ever since I found out I’d be studying abroad in Asia I’ve wanted to visit an elephant sanctuary. I’m so grateful I got to experience this!🐘🐘🐘 pic.twitter.com/7WsFZ9Fbpr

— ayinde. (@ayinde_alese1) April 4, 2019

Asian countries are cultural hubs, where you can experience exquisite and diverse cuisine and architectural heritage sites.

Those fascinated by the arts will also find unique offerings in Asian arts and cultural museums and galleries.

Keep an open mind and you can expand your horizons by immersing yourself in a whole new culture – where you could even pick up a new language.

Boosts your CV

If you decide to head back to your home country after studying abroad in Asia, it doesn’t mean that your experience was all for nothing.

Having a qualification from an Asian university looks great on your CV as it shows you are well-travelled, interculturally competent and come with an expanded (and potentially very useful) network.