Going abroad for Studies

　　The other day I announced that I would go abroad for further studies right after my college education. My decision evoked the immediate objection of my family： Why? Why should I borrow a huge sum of money for overseas studies while I might receive the same education at home at relatively low cost? My answer is： in addition to knowledge， I can gain experience that those who stay at home will never have.

　　First， experience is the opportunity for the real-life use of foreign languages. While a person can study a foreign language at home， the effect can never be compared with constant use of the language in academic and everyday life. There is no better opportunity to improve second-language skills than living in the country in which it is spoken. Living in English-speaking countries such as America and Australia for several years， for example， my English will be as perfect as native speakers.

　　Second， living and studying abroad offers me a different perspective of the world. On a university campus， foreign students are likely to encounter their counterparts from different countries and areas and are exposed to different ideas and values. This helps me to have a meaningful understanding of different societies and inevitably sees my own country in a new light.

　　Third， overseas experience， frustrating and painful as it may be， is helpful. A person going abroad for study often experiences much more difficulty——difficulty in adapting to a new culture and in dealing with all problems alone. Yet， the difficulty， coupled with the frustration brought on by culture shock， is a rewarding experience