English 102

English Composition and Communication Skills

Sec 18
Term paper Topic: Pros and Cons of higher studies in
Bangladesh and abroad
Submitted to:
Ms Saifa Haque
Senior Lecturer
Department of English
East West University

Submitted By:
Sharia Marjanun
2020-3-77-013
Abdullahil Sakib
2020-3-77-001
Department of GEB
East West University

Date of Submission: September 7, 2021

 Table of Contents

Abstract 3
Introduction 3
Literature review 4
Data Collection 6
Data Analysis 7
Findings 23
Limitations 23
Conclusion 24
References 25
Appendix 26
 Abstract

Regarding this paper, students often become confused about whether they should go abroad or
continue studying in Bangladesh. Hence, to alleviate the confusion, we arrange an online survey
where 21 people have given their responses and examined the impression of this confusion
among them, and the outcome isn't utterly bad.

Introduction

The topic we're focusing on is "Pros and cons of higher studies in Bangladesh and abroad".
Studying abroad basically means that students get settled in other countries rather than staying in
their own country to study further. It becomes quite compulsory for many students that they want
to go abroad for better studies that are why in this term paper we tried to uphold the scenario of
the quality of studies in both Bangladesh and abroad. Besides, we tried to focus on some
significant topics that may help students to decide whether they're on track or not.
 Literature review
This audit of exploration literature means to give a broad thought of the reasoning with respect to
the “Pros and Cons of higher studies in Bangladesh and abroad. The review incorporates three
unique articles in regards to the theme.

1. Online Education: Bangladesh Perspective, Challenges and Way Forward

On Tuesday July 28, 2021 an article was written on “Online Education: Bangladesh Perspective,
Challenges and Way Forward”. Due to Covid-19 pandemic, Bangladesh is no different with
other countries in facing educational circumstances; therefore, the challenges become expanded
and the journey takes it way forward. As per as the World's educational systems are facing
challenges which might be positive and negative at the same time. Although universities in
Bangladesh are struggling with finances and others, the education system of Bangladesh is no
less compared to foreign universities, and most of the private universities like UAP which is
contributing to run the semesters rather than facing that many difficulties. The tread that UAP
has been following for the betterment during online education, such as, stepping towards online
platforms, student’s registration policies and facilities, department and faculty members, training
on board, specialized instructions from quality assurance cell and so on. A student named Tasfia
Nazrin from Asia Pacific University (UAP) who is studying in the LAW department has stated
her opinion that “the number of complexity may be many, but universities in Bangladesh should
bring at least a single solution like we’re having a waiver in every semester.

2. Studying Abroad in Canada: Prospects and Challenges

On Monday August 23, 2021 an article was published regarding higher education abroad where
the prospects and challenges are highlighted. In recent years, there has been a rush of students
from Bangladesh who are looking to pursue their major in foreign countries; especially Canada,
Germany and Japan so far. As it's not always an easy transition, data covers the prospects of
studying including standard of living, easy PR opportunities, career opportunities and the
experience. On the other hand, students who want to study abroad might face some difficulties,
such as language barrier, visa, cultural shock, weather, finance and homesickness. Andrews,
professor of Cellular and Biomolecular Research at University of Toronto, talked about the pros
and cons of getting admitted in international universities for international students, and set a
question“ is studying abroad is your cup of tea or not”.

3. International students are salient assets to the US economy

On Saturday August 21, 2021 an article was published on ‘International students are salient
assets to the US economy’. For many years, International students have been going to America
to get a degree; thus they are contributing to the country’s economy by serving in different
sectors after their graduation. Data shows that, for many American universities it would be
onerous to retain important graduate programs without international students. Without
international students the number of students in America pursuing graduate degrees (Master and
PhD) in fields such as computer and information sciences and electrical engineering would be
small relative to the size of the US economy. International students contributed approximately
$45 billion to the U.S. economy during the 2018-2019 academic years, according to an IIE
report. Stuart Cooper, a professor of chemical and bimolecular engineering at Ohio State
University, explained how international students contribute, “To get tenure and perform research,
professors require a significant number of graduate students and there are not enough domestic
students alone in certain fields.

4. International students are missing classes due to U.S. visa problems

On Monday August 23, 2021 an article was written on the International students missing classes
due to U.S. visa problems. Visa processing is delayed as U.S. embassies and consulates operate
at reduced capacity around the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving some students
abroad unable to make it for the start of the academic year. When they shut down the interviews,
the students have everything else; the visa application is done, the passport is valid but it's just
that one interview that is keeping everyone from going to the United States. The wait and the
hassle threaten both the country's standing as a preferred choice for international students. New
international student enrollment in the United States dropped 43% in fall 2020. Suwade Pe Than,
a rising sophomore at the Savannah College of Art and Design said that, “the interview could
have been conducted months prior via video teleconference.
 Data Collection

The name of our topic is "Pros and Cons of Higher Studies in Bangladesh and Abroad". In case
of collecting data regarding this topic, we're focusing on survey form through Google. During
this pandemic, it becomes easier to have people's opinions through this rather than face to face
interaction. Besides, we tried to present data from different kinds of sources which may clear the
confusion and fulfill the misconception about this topic. Our main focus is to find out interest
and opinions about studying abroad and in Bangladesh, and provide information about it.
 Data Analysis

To analyze the perception of participants, we asked 30 questions, and here, we are

presenting the responses graphically.

1.

From figure 1, it can be seen that 60.9% of the participants responded that they prefer both formal and
informal education. 34.8% of the participants prefer formal education and rest of the participants have
chosen informal education system.
2.

From figure 1, it can be seen that 60.9% of the participants responded that they prefer both formal and
informal education. 34.8% of the participants prefer formal education and rest of the participants have
chosen informal education system.

3.

From the above figure, it is visible that 60.9% of the participants that students “often choose to
study abroad for higher education”, 30.4% of the participants responded to the option very
often and the rest 8.7% said that “students always choose to study abroad for higher
education”.
4.

The figure illustrates that 39.1% of the participants think that staying away from friends and families for
a long period of time is a new experience. 36.1% of the participants said it is challenging and 21.7% of
the participants find it difficult to stay away from family and friends for a long period of time. Only 13%
of people said that they find it depressing to stay away from their closed ones for a long period of time.

5.

Among 23 participants, 78.3% of the participants said that their family will be supportive if they choose
to study abroad. 8.7% of the participants said that their family will not be happy and 8.7% of the
participants said that they don’t know about their family’s reaction if they choose to study
abroad.
Remaining participants said that their family will not allow them to study abroad
6.

From figure 6, it can be seen that 56.5% of the participants never applied to a foreign institution for
educational purposes. 30% of the participants said that they have applied to a foreign institution for
education and the remaining 13% said that they are going to apply soon.

7.

Among all the 23 responses, 82.6% of the participants believe that studying abroad has more
advantages than studying in Bangladesh and 17.4% of the participants don’t think that Bangladesh
has fewer advantages than studying abroad.
8.

From the above figure, it is visible that 62% of the participants agree that abroad can heighten one’s
self esteem. 21.7% of the participants strongly agree with the option that one’s self esteem is
heighten by studying abroad and the rest 13% responded neutral.

9.

From the figure 9, it is seen that 60.9% of the participants agree that studying abroad helps to increase
student’s creativity because of education techniques and advanced learning, and 39.1% of the
participants strongly agree with the same question.
10.

From the figure 10, it is visible that 65.2% of the participants agree that studying abroad may create
difficulties including communication problems, social prohibition mostly. 26.1% of the participants
disagree with the same query and the rest 8.7% of the participants said that they strongly disagree that
studying abroad may create difficulties including communication problem and social prohibition.

11.

The figure illustrates that, in terms of financial issues, 63.6% of the participants agree that studying in
Bangladesh is more favorable than studying abroad for most of the students from middle-class or poor
families and 22.7% of the participants strongly agree with the same query. Only 13.6% of the
participants disagree with this fact.
12.

In figure 12, we can see that 40.9% participants think that it is hard to transfer credits from one
university to another, 40.9% participants do not know anything regarding this topic, 13.6% participants
think that it is a myth and the rest of the participants agreed that this acquisition is false.

13.

Among the 22 responses on this topic, 31.8% participants have let us know that it is not easier to get a
scholarship in Bangladesh than abroad, 27.3% participants said maybe, 22.7% participants think it is
easier to get a scholarship in Bangladesh than abroad, and 18.2% participants don not know about it.
14.

From figure 14, it is visible that 50% of the participants did not agree with the fact that students have to
learn a new language in order to study aboard, 40.9% participants said maybe and 9.1% participants said
that it is a must.

15.

From figure 15, it can be seen that 68.2% participants think that English medium students get privilege
while applying for higher studies, 18.2% participants response was maybe, 9.1% participants do not
agree with it and the remaining participants have no idea regarding this question.
16.

From figure 16, we can see that out of 23 participants, 85.7% of the participants agreed with the
idea that the tuition fee is higher abroad than Bangladesh; on the other hand, 9.5% participants
think it can happen sometimes, and the rest of the participants disagreed with the question.

17.

Figure 17 shows that according to the participants, 8 participants believe that Students can pay
their own tuition fee with a part time job abroad as well as the same number of participants who
think that can happen sometimes. Other 4 participants don’t think that it can be even possible;
while 1 participant who doesn’t have any idea.
18.

Figure 18 shows that a large number of students, 61.9%, want to stand out from the group and
desire higher study from abroad. Even 9.5% of people strongly agreed with this statement. On
the other hand, 1participant out of 23, have strongly disagreed, and rest of the 23.8% participants
disagreed with this.

19.

The result from figure 19 clearly shows that most of the participants, 71.4% believe
that Studying abroad can help you build a social network around the world; at a time,
28.6% participants don’t think that Studying abroad can really help.
20.

In figure 20, it shows that out of 23 participants, 13 participants think that find an
accommodation is a challenge in abroad than Bangladesh, and 5 participants think it might be.
Other 2 participants don’t take it as a challenge; while 1 participant doesn’t think about it.

21.

Figure 21 shows that 33.3% participants agreed with the statement that Communicating with
your peers and professors can be a problem while studying abroad; while most of the participants
about 61.9% disagreed, and 4.8% strongly disagreed with this.
22.

We can see in figure 22 that 57.1% participants responded ‘Yes’, while 4.8% gave a negative
response, and other participants equally think it may be possible or it happens sometimes.

23.

As a Muslim/Hindu International student, 23.8% participants think it is very difficult to maintain

your religious values while you are studying abroad. But one third of participants don’t agree it’s
difficult; while one third think it is difficult sometimes. Rest of the participants goes with maybe
it is.
24.

Figure 24 shows that a large majority of participants assume that the level of higher education in
Bangladesh is standard. However, 28.6% think the level of higher education in Bangladesh is
nowhere near abroad. Rest of the 19% participants believes it is very poor.

25.

According to most of the participants, 90.5% agreed it is very difficult for an international
student to adjust in a new country due to Covid-19 pandemic. Even out of all participants, one
strongly agrees that it is very difficult for an international student to adjust in a new country. On
the opposite side, one participant disagreed that it’s not a big deal.
26.

Out of 21 responses, 12 Reponses come with positive answers that there are more rules and
regulations imposed for international students compared to their local students, and 4 participants
who may think it is. Out of 21 responses, 2 responses come with negative answers; while 3
participants don’t know about it.

27.

It is much more difficult to get a job abroad for international students compared to local students
and 42.9% participants think it fact-based, but many have confusion like 28.6% participants that
they think it is much more difficult to get a job. Other 19% participants answered no and the
lowest percentage of participants think it is much more difficult to get a job abroad for
international students compared to local students sometimes too.
28.

Following the figure, 42.9% participants think that going abroad to study rather than studying in
Bangladesh creates more social pressure to be successful, and 23.8% don’t think it is. Other 19%
participants think maybe it is, while 14.3% think there is more social pressure sometimes.

29.

In accordance with the chart, 81% agreed that it is easier to get a student loan abroad than
Bangladesh. Even out of all participants, one strongly agrees that it is not difficult to get a
student loan in foreign countries. On the opposite side, 14.3% participants disagree.
30.

In the opinion of all participants, after completing studies from abroad, 19% participants want to
come back to Bangladesh from where they started, whereas 33.3% participants want to settle
there. Interestingly 28.6% said that they will come back after some years, and 19% haven't
decided yet.
 Findings

Subsequent to breaking down the responses from the survey, we have discovered that a
large portion of individuals, who responded, have given their opinion in favor of studying
abroad. They think studying abroad has much more benefits compared to studying in
Bangladesh. We left a question to the participants about what to do next after finishing our
studies abroad, and surprisingly the majority of participants want to settle abroad. Yet, we have
some contrary findings as well. Not the majority of participants but many of them are against
studying abroad, and they didn't prioritize it over studying in Bangladesh. It is because of the
consequences and costs which not everyone can convey. Comprehensively, we can say when it
comes to comparing between two, studying abroad always gets the priority.

Limitations

When we were preparing this term paper we faced some difficulties. Covid-19 has
drastically limited transportation and communication. Because of this reason, we were not able
to conduct the survey in person. We could have gotten more participants if the survey was
conducted in a normal time. Time limitation was also a major problem as this semester is shorter
than the other semesters. Another drawback was the slender resources of information. All the
information in this term paper is from the Internet as we couldn’t visit some places to collect
information, because of the pandemic situation. We really think that this term paper would have
been more pleasing; if we could omit these limitations.
 Conclusion

The benefits of higher education are innumerable to pursue a good career. People prefer and
wish to go abroad for higher studies to build up their career and to live a sophisticated lifestyle.
In this term paper, we discussed the pros and the cons of higher studies in Bangladesh and
abroad. We have conducted a survey regarding this topic and after analyzing all the data we
have found that the advantages of studying abroad outweigh the advantages of studying in
Bangladesh.
 References

1. THE DAILY STAR. (202, July 28). Online Education:

Bangladesh Perspective, Challenges and Way Forward.
https://www.thedailystar.net/online/news/online-education-bangladesh-perspective
challenges-and-way-forward-1937625

2. UNB NEWS. (2021, August 23). Studying Abroad in Canada: Prospects and
Challenges. https://unb.com.bd/category/Lifestyle/studying-abroad-in-canada-
prospects-and challenges/77646

3. THE TIMES OF INDIA. (2021, August 21). NFAP study: Higher number of
international students helps US universities to offer high quality academic programs.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/nfap-study-higher-number-of-international
students-helps-us-universities-to-offer-high-quality-academic
programs/articleshow/85512524.cms?fbclid=IwAR22eYOIcItdA6H6fx0jaNgSxu28RppB
anVSg4Y_B8cAudUrXBfZRSkw_iw&from=mdr

4. THE DAILY STAR. (2021, August 23). Classes starting, but international
students failing to get visas.
https://www.thedailystar.net/youth/education/news/classes-starting-international
students-failing-get-us-visas-2158931?fbclid=IwAR3zuf
4ZHk_mKoYC4EbJ5lLECsWSrIyxVfjg2yaO5VjHV3iF-H_Qxw3FsE
 Appendix

1. Which sector of education do you prefer?

2. Do you plan to pursue higher studies?

3. How often do students choose to study abroad for higher education?

4. Staying far away from your friends & family for a long period of time is

5. What will be your family’s reaction if you choose to study abroad?

6. Have you ever applied to a foreign institution for educational purposes?

7. Do you think that studying abroad has more advantages than studying in Bangladesh?

8. Studying abroad can heighten one's self-esteem.

9. Studying abroad helps to increase student’s creativity because of education

techniques and advanced learning.

10. Studying abroad may create difficulties including communication problems, social
prohibition mostly.

11. In terms of financial issues, studying in Bangladesh is more favorable than studying
abroad for most of the students from middle-class or poor families.

12. It is hard to transfer credits for those students who change universities while already
studying in a university.

13. Getting a scholarship is easier in Bangladesh than abroad?

14. Learning a new language (German, Japanese, Danish, and Swedish etc.) is a must for
studying abroad?
15. Do you think English medium students get more privileges while applying for
higher studies?

16. The tuition fee is higher in abroad than Bangladesh?

17. Students can pay their own tuition fee with a part time job in abroad?

18. If you want to stand out from your group, higher study from abroad is a must.

19. Studying abroad can help you build a social network around the world.

20. To find an accommodation is a challenge in aboard than Bangladesh?

21. Communicating with your peers and professors can be a problem while studying abroad.

22. It is easier to get a job in Bangladesh if you have foreign degree?

23. As a Muslim/Hindu International student, do you think it is very difficult to maintain

your religious values while you are studying abroad?

24. Currently, the level of higher education in Bangladesh is-

25. During this pandemic, it is very difficult for an international student to adjust in a
new country.

26. Do you think there are more rules and regulations imposed for international students
compared to their local students?

27. Do you think it is much difficult to get a job abroad for international students
compared to local students?

28. Do you think there is more social pressure to be successful if you choose to go abroad
to study rather than studying in Bangladesh?]

29. It is easier to get a student loan in abroad then Bangladesh?

30. If you complete your studies from abroad, what will you plan next?