Unarguably, education plays an extremely important role in one's life. It has become the top priority of parents nowadays to ensure their children get the education which is a necessity in the today’s society. Although most people have at least finished their studies until secondary level, it is already becoming a social fact that a SPM level certificate is not sufficient to get a decent job neither is having a degree going to guarantee one a job. However, having a degree does make one much more preferable comparing to the former. Coming to the subject of choosing a university, to study abroad or locally for tertiary education is now one of the hottest debates in our country, notably among students and parents. The argument is always surrounded by preferences of choice because through pursuing a tertiary education prepares students for the workforce and life. Studying abroad and locally offers many similarities and differences namely the study experience, qualification and education system.
First and foremost, the study experience can be similar in some aspect and very different in other aspects especially for one who is in a foreign land compared to one who is in home country in terms of culture shock, language barrier, cost of living and network building.
One of the major concerns of those who are thinking of furthering their studies overseas will be the culture shock they will most likely be encountering. One may feel uneasy about the surrounding as it is usually totally different from that which one is so used to. According to University of California Irvine (n.d.), “Living in a new culture can be exhilarating, personally rewarding, and intellectually stimulating. It can also be frustrating.” A chance to experience the world outside one’s comfort zone may be a terribly horrifying phase for another who is so attached to the warm-hearted homeland atmosphere. Of