Introduction
Choosing which university to study in is an important decision in the lives of those fortunate enough to have the opportunity. Although loyalty towards one’s country should factor into this important decision, we should remember that only as highly qualified and polished individuals can we best serve our country. Therefore it is our duty to seek education in a university that will give us the most opportunity to be as qualified as possible academically and otherwise.
Comparisons
An important difference between studying abroad and remaining in Kuwait is that while Kuwait has one university (Kuwait University), students choosing to go abroad, for example, to America or Britain, have access to a far greater number of excellent quality universities. America, for example has a large number of universities of which 166 came in the top 500 universities in the world. Kuwait University does not make it to the list of top 500 universities. Although Kuwait is a relatively smaller country, more universities mean more competition which means better quality of education. So to seek more quality and more options, students may choose to go abroad.
Another area of contrast would be the great diversity in nationalities of students and professors who are a part of various international universities. Top-ranked universities in large First world countries with already diverse populations as far as ethnicity is concerned are more likely to attract students and professors from a greater variety of nationalities. A greater diversity of fellow students means a meshing of the best ideas from various different backgrounds. Education in such an environment will enable us to be better equipped to deal with change, accept new ideas and be more tolerant of others’ ideas. These ideas and these skills will help us to handle national problems better. The world today is becoming more and more global with business and informal transactions taking place between members of various countries from all parts of the world. Education in a diversified open environment will help us be better members of this global international community and help it overcome its problems to move onto a brighter and smoother future. Although Kuwait is blazing into the future new ideas and beliefs should always be welcome. Kuwait University is a relatively new venture, and in 1996, over 92% of the student population was of Kuwaiti nationality
Another area of contrast is the fact that for a lot of students studying abroad means not only staying away from home but from your families for long periods of time at a end. This is an important decision-making factor for many students and their families. This factor influences the growth and development of the student. For example students studying abroad may become independent sooner.
Conclusion
According to my comparisons students should have access to better quality education and grow to be more independent and more open and tolerant to new ideas if they study abroad. Education is an important part of the Kuwaiti system with over 6.5% of the GDP contributed towards education with the government financing the education of the top 70% of its students and starting a number of adult literacy programs to combat illiteracy. It is the responsibility of Kuwaiti students to take their education seriously and to become more productive members of a new international community.
References
- Kuwait EDUCATION. Encyclopedia of the Nations. Web.
- Top 500 World Universities. Web.