It is often said that it is more beneficial for a student to remain in his on country for graduation while it is good to move abroad at PG level. does a background of oriental education and upbringing at this stage make one more efficient? in what way? what is the importance of ‘roots’ according to you?
Coming from a Canadian perspective, I am very persistent in the fact that your educational roots and upbringings really make a difference. Not too familiar with how roots are considered in India, however in Canada, the whole idea is to do your best in high school, then apply to the programs and schools that are the best fit and educational level that you would like to learn at. I think that living somewhere and then studying abroad shows a lot of character. It takes a lot of guts, mental strength and personal strength to leave the comforts of your country to pursue a higher caliber education. I also think that with a strong upbringing, studying abroad becomes even more worthwhile and the experience that much more appreciated.
I beleive exploring new horizons especially countries with good education systems is a good idea. A formal eductaion to a pre-university or graduation in your own country can be followed up with Master’s or professional couses in an Advanced country. Its all about learning in a diffrent culture and understanding various thinking styles and attitude which brings in an over all development of a student. International exposure helps in various ways.
While I agree with all of you that international experiences help develop your overall sense of culture and the world, and of course broadens horizons, I think it’s also very important to stay true to your roots. If you were born in one country and brought up, which usually comes from both growing up and from early education, those are your personal roots and culture and you should strive to maintain them. If you go study abroad you’ll enjoy seeing new things and learning about new cultures, but it’s important not to forget your own past and where you came from and get mixed up in new things. That’s why Canada is a great place for international education; Canada is a highly multicultural country which values diversity and will support the maintenance of your own background and culture.
As the famous quote goes, “Never forget- where you come from, and where you’re going”.
learning different things in a different backgrounds , i believe, is essential as it creates new perspectives and new ideas for an individual. but as it comes to assimilation of culture and living style, how does it affect the diversity. what happens in such a ‘global environment’? in fact i am eager to know your valuable views on:
What happens when the is the absence of a deep rooted cultural system? Isn’t the common trend to emulate patterns unsuitable for the basic nature and potentials present? isn’t a deep historical knowledge of one’s soil required to do any further good for it?
I think there’s good and bad to assimilation. Take a look at the US for example- they support assimilation of different cultures into the “American standard”.
Now, as you suggested, there are disadvantages to this- in the absence of a rooted cultural system one can lose track of himself as a person and what makes him a unique individual, and start changing his value system. But there are also some good points- in the US for example you gain access to a culture that’s globally accepted with values that can help you become successful in this world.
My opinion is that you should always trace yourself back to your origins and never lose your culture. However, you should also incorporate other cultures into your own if you think they have some good things in them.
Having lived abroad for 7 years (both studying and working) I am a very strong supporter of study abroad and highly recommend everyone to take the opportunity to visit another country. You simply cannot experience a new culture to the fullest without having an extended stay. One week trips are merely sightseeing.
I don’t think that you need be concerned about losing your “roots” so to speak. Everyone has their own path in life and for some people holding on too tightly to their own culture will limit their experiences and distort their view of people who are different from them.
It is important for us all to take the best that each culture has to offer and leave the bad behind because there is good and bad in all cultures. People who have international experience have the luxury of knowing they have a choice.
