Why do many students opt to study abroad?

Jessica Sammut, 5th year, Architecture and Civil Engineering

"Students would rather study in another country to experience university life abroad and at the same time broaden their opportunities in the future. It could serve not just as a study trip but as a life experience that offers students a greater degree of independence.

"Apart from this, one gets to experience a new lifestyle and learn about a different culture at first hand. Universities abroad also offer better means of communication, and access to information and technology that seem to be lacking in Malta."

Colette Caruana, 2nd year, BA (Hons) Geography

"Although the University is highly reputable, many students opt to study abroad because they feel they may still get a higher quality of education abroad. The quality at University may be high in general but this is not the case for each and every course on offer.

"Also, people with a foreign degree will be at an advantage when it comes to finding a job compared to people with a University of Malta degree. Another reason that could encourage people to study abroad is that it could help pave the way to work abroad, which means a higher salary than one would get for exactly the same job in Malta."

Nadine Borg, 3rd year, Architecture and Civil Engineering

"I think studying abroad is an opportunity to learn new things in a different culture: familiarising oneself with the way other universities work, acquiring new learning methods and coming to know other people who have ideas regarding their country which differ from ours.

"Besides, it is also an experience that can help students learn how to live independently away from family and friends for a long time."

Nadya Papagiorcopulo, 1st year, European Studies

"Nowadays one finds many English-speaking universities around and outside Europe.

"Such universities offer more opportunities, and better communication makes it easier for students to study abroad.

"Moreover, student life abroad serves as a great experience to gain independence, widen knowledge, learn about other cultures, different languages and become more open-minded."

Alex Cachia Zammit, 3rd year, Law with European Studies

"There are many reasons why a student would want to study abroad, such as interacting with different cultures and increasing one's ability to live independently.

"There is also the possibility of making new friends from a different country. Apart from that, students may want to study a course that is not currently offered in Malta."