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LOCAL OR OVERSEAS?
With so many postgraduate courses available, both locally and overseas, how do you choose? Here are some things to consider before making a final decision. By C S CHING
Now that you have decided that a postgraduate programme is what you want to do, there are a
number of issues you need to address. One of the most important is deciding where you want to pursue it.
You have two options – going overseas or doing it locally. Both options have their pros and cons, and you have to weigh each carefully to determine which suits you best. GRADUAN® explores the options available to help you make the right decision.
STUDYING ABROAD
While a luxury before, pursuing studies abroad has become something many Malaysians can now afford. Relatively more expensive than studying locally, many regard a qualification from an overseas institution worth the money spent.
The most popular foreign destinations for Malaysian students are the UK, Australia and the US. Study opportunities in the UK and Australia are varied, with postgraduate opportunities at both taught and research levels. The US is a more traditional route for students who are committed to specialist research, especially in the sciences.
There are many reasons why some students opt to do their postgraduate work in an overseas institution. First, it could be because you did your first degree abroad and want to pursue postgraduate studies at the same institution. There are many advantages to this, not least being that you may be able to secure funding from the university and your lecturers can be your referees when applying for a place or a scholarship.
Also, you won’t have to deal with the hassle of moving and getting used to a new environment as you will already be familiar with the area. Not only that, you would have made friends who may also stay back to continue with their postgraduate studies. This way, you will have some company helping you go through this major change in your life.
Studying abroad can also be an enriching experience, especially if you have never been overseas before. Not only will you be gaining a postgraduate qualification, you will also be coming home with international and multicultural exposure. You will meet many different people from all over the world and learn much from them.
Also, being in a new environment is a perfect opportunity to broaden your mind. This experience may come in handy, especially when you are looking for job opportunities. If you are planning on a career with a multinational firm, this exposure will help you communicate better with the different colleagues and clients you will meet along the way.
Being in a new environment is a perfect opportunity to broaden your mind. The opportunity to study in a world-famous institution will look very impressive on your resume
The key to making a right decision is to gather all the facts and weigh them against your desires and financial standing.
Some students opt for an overseas institution out of necessity because the specialised qualification may not be available in Malaysia. Institutions abroad are often also better equipped in terms of technology and expertise to allow you betteraccess to the right kind of knowledge. This especially applies to scientific studies.Also, the opportunity to study in a world-famousinstitution will look very impressive on your resume.If you are given the chance to do this, do not turn itdown as it will help your career in the long-run.
STUDYING LOCALLY
You may feel that a local institution may be the right fit to pursue your postgraduate studies. In fact, there are many institutions in Malaysia providing postgraduate programmes that are as good as those overseas. With this option, you won’t have to travel far and spend so much money, and you will be receiving the same quality education at the end of the day.
Apart from that, proximity may play a major role in your decision. If you plan to pursue postgraduate studies part-time, this is the best option as you need not put your life on hold: you can still work full-time, while studying for a higher qualification. On the other hand, you may not want to be apart from your family, so a local institution may be your best choice. If you are married, this may be ideal as you need not uproot your family to a completely different country. Not only will this be an expensive affair, it can also be very disruptive, especially if you have school-going kids. Finances may be another important factor to consider in doing your studies here. Malaysian institutions will naturally cost a fraction of the amount you will need to pay at an overseas institution. Many local universities have tie-ins with universities abroad, so you still receive the same type of tertiary education, but at a far lower cost. There are also many foreign university branches here where you can explore the possibility of a postgraduate studies. These foreign branches offer the same courses and awards as the main campuses in their home countries. For example, Monash University in Malaysia offers a number of postgraduate courses. With the establishment of these branches, you can obtain a foreign tertiary qualification locally instead of having to go abroad, thus, saving you tens of thousands of ringgit.
MAKING THE RIGHT DECISION
In order to make a sound decision, you have to do a lot of research. If you can and money is
available, visit your chosen destinations before committing to a course. You also have to be realistic, as postgraduate study will take up a considerable amount of time. Decide whether you are able to spend that number of years at the location you have picked.
Being comfortable and happy at where you are is extremely important in ensuring you complete your postgraduate studies successfully. Speak to as many people as possible. If distance is an issue, you can correspond with course tutors and other students via email. Ask as many questions as possible: remember there is no such thing as a wrong question.
The key to making a right decision is to gather all the facts and weigh them against your desires and financial standing. Be honest with yourself and plan how much this will set you back in the years to come. Write down the pros and cons of each possibility and go over them thoroughly before you make that important decision.
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