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The Comparison of

Studying Abroad and

Long-distance Learning

       Studying abroad and learning long-distance are two ways to earn course credits from international colleges. In the past, students had studied abroad for a number of years in order to get a certificate degree. However; in recent years, there are more and more colleges adding long-distance learning for students to study remotely. Long-distance learning or distance learning allows students to take courses from the Internet without setting foot on campus. Via digital tools, students are able to learn anywhere in the world. Due to the new type of learning system, it is hard for students to choose whether they should study abroad or take courses online. Although both of the learning styles have pros and cons, students may clearly choose which they need in the aspect of expenses, interaction, and time arrangement.

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Expenses

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     The cost of long-distance learning is cheaper than studying abroad. Distance learning is a system to study online, which means students can take courses and do the assignment at home. Thus, they don’t need to spend money on transportation and accommodation. Distance learning really helps students save a great deal of money. In this case, students can make good use of the saved money to improve their life quality such as taking the lesson of a second language. On the contrary, in order to study abroad, students have to spend enormous money. Before heading to the foreign countries, they have to spend a great deal of money prepared for the qualification exam, and the VISA. When studying abroad, students need to spend money on the basic living, such as tuition, accommodation fee, and commuting fee. According to the research of the International Institute of Education (2017), the average cost of studying abroad in a foreign country is about $18,000 per semester. Consequently, studying abroad is a large financial burden on students. Fortunately, students can apply for the scholarship offered by universities, government organizations, and not-for-profit companies. Though scholarship is a good way to reduce money, studying abroad is still more expensive than learning online.

Interaction

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         Besides, interaction is an essential level for students to concern. By learning online, students communicate with instructors and classmates via e-mail, video conference and other computer-based chat. For example, a virtual system is an online training system. It provides the teacher-student interaction, instant feedback, and active participation with other students. Throughout the interaction with virtual system, students are able to share their experience and expand the view of others’ culture. However, once the course is over, students will speak their mother languages. Thus, it is hard for them to improve the speaking skill in the target language. When living and studying in the foreign country, students can interact with native speakers directly. The interaction and communication allows students to broaden their worldview and improve their speaking skills. Besides, studying abroad is the opportunity to allow students to participate in various experiences and develop new skills. For instance, in America, students often express their opinion in the class. Thus, it is a good practice for international students to share their thoughts and develop critical thinking. With this valuable experience, students can apply expression skills once they enter the workplace. As a result, studying abroad can accelerate one’s speaking ability and broaden the worldview.

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Time Arrangement

         In addition, the course of long-distance learning is more flexible than the course of studying abroad. Distance learning helps students realize their educational dreams, especially for people who are often working full-time and taking care of the family. They are able to learn foreign lessons without going abroad. Since the courses of distance learning are flexible, students are able to arrange their time at random. They will have enough time to do household chores or activities. Besides, saving the commuting time, students have more free time to do their own business. However; if they don’t arrange the time, it is easy to postpone their online courses. In the end, students may fall behind and they may struggle to accomplish all courses. Thus, it is essential for online learners to manage the time well. On the other hand, when studying abroad, students have to follow the class schedule. Because the school has already set time for all the courses, students only can use the rest of time to organize and plan their extracurricular activities. Due to the limited time, students should plan their schedule.

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          Considering expenses, interaction and time arrangement, students can clearly choose whether they are going to study abroad or learn online. For me, I prefer the traditional way, studying abroad. Despite the expensive charges, going abroad to study is the most valuable experience. Exploring the foreign countries can broaden my worldview. Besides, interacting with the teacher and classmates directly is the best method to improve the speaking skills. Since the class schedule is fixed, I can follow the course process. Therefore, I can use the rest of the time to make plans. For example, I can take this opportunity to travel around the new places, to enjoy activities, and to participate in the club. As a result, studying abroad will be my first choice.

                                               Reference

1. Regent Business School (2013) What is Distance Learning?

   Retrieved from: https://regent.ac.za/campus-news/what-is-distance-learning/

2. WIKI HOW. How to Succeed in Distance Learning.  

   Retrieved from: https://www.wikihow.com/Succeed-in-Distance-Learning

3. University of the Potomac  Online Learning vs Traditional Learning

   Retrieved from: //potomac.edu/learning/online-learning-vs-traditional-learning/

4. VEDAMO What is a virtual classroom

Retrieved from: //www.vedamo.com/knowledge/what-is-virtual-classroom/

5. Vimbi Petrus Mahlangu (2017) The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Distance Learning in Higher Education.  Retrieved from:

https://www.intechopen.com/books/trends-in-e-learning/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-of-distance-learning-in-higher-education

6. an common myths about studying English abroad (picture 1,2) Retrieved from:            https://www.kaplaninternational.com/blog/9-myths-about-studying-english-abroad

7. International College of Financial Learning. CFP E-Learning (picture3)

    Retrieved from: https://www.icofp.org/certified-financial-planner-cfp-certification/cfp-e-learning/

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