The pros and cons of ‘home’ and ‘away’ education

In Malta, most students ‘stay at home’ for their education. But do our students benefit from the pampering of a ‘home education’?

In many foreign cities separated by great distances, the lack of universities that have a diverse range of courses results in some students having to leave their families and move to other areas.

However, there are many students who continue their education in institutes and colleges in their home town while living with their families. There are pros and cons for both these categories of students.

Students who live away from their families face more challenges and difficulties than those who live at home. They have to be self-sufficient and solve all the problems they may encounter.

These difficulties are varied, ranging from managing practical issues such as plumbing, to emotional or even mental problems.

In contrast, those who live with their families do not suffer from many of these problems, or, if they do, they have the benefit of their family members at hand to help them.

On the other hand, living alone, away from family, may bring several advantages that those who live with their families may not experience.

Experiencing complete independence and facing life’s challenges increases self-esteem and makes students more confident of their abilities.

In addition, he or she may find many friends who will become as close as a family member.

Those who stay with their families rarely acquire these valuable gains during their years of study and are therefore at a disadvantage compared with the other group.

Living apart from family entails experiencing independence and facing up to life’s difficulties while those who live with their families will have fewer problems but will also have fewer of life’s valuable gains.