People are drawn to online study for a range of reasons. Some prefer flexible arrangements that fit around their existing work and family commitments. Others are unable to relocate to a different city or foreign campus. And many simply prefer a virtual learning format.
In 2017, over six million students were enrolled in online education in the US alone. An assortment of qualifications – from month-long training certificates to fully-fledged undergraduate and postgraduate degrees – are available.
In this post, you’ll learn about six benefits of online study. By the time you’ve finished reading, you’ll know exactly whether or not a distance learning program is the right choice for you.
1. Receive a High-Quality Education From Anywhere in the World
Distance learning programs provide students with direct access to some of the world’s top teachers, researchers, industry professionals, and thinkers.
Opting for an online degree or qualification immediately increases the number of institutions to which you can apply, which in turn gives you significantly more choices when it comes to finding a faculty that fits your particular interests and learning aspirations.
If you are considering distance learning for a specialized postgraduate degree, such as an MBA or master’s, you can apply to courses taught by experts you admire or particularly want to learn from.
2. Build Your Degree Around Your Existing Commitments
Arguably the biggest benefit of online learning is that it gives students the flexibility to arrange their study commitments around their existing responsibilities. This is especially the case for mature students, who often have families, careers, and financial duties to consider.
Universities often allow online learners to study on their own schedule, as long as a certain weekly quota is met. And because lectures are recorded, in-person attendance isn’t always mandatory.
Even if a flexible working schedule is still too restrictive, there is always the option of taking a program like a Master’s or MBA over two years instead of one, further reducing the workload.
3. Expand Your Network and Build Lasting Professional Connections
One of the most significant benefits of attending a well-regarded educational institution is that it provides you with the opportunity to build a lasting network of professional connections. Your network won’t be made up exclusively of your peers, but also of professionals who are already established in the field you wish to enter.
Virtual learning has few differences from in-person learning in this regard. As a student, you’ll be able to take advantage of a myriad of opportunities to connect with people. Common initiatives include group tasks, in-person weeks on campus, internships, one-on-one lecturer tutorials and more.
4. Eliminate Costs Associated With In-Person Studying
While appealing to many, studying on-campus comes with costs, some of which won’t be covered in student loans and grants (particularly for postgraduate students).
The biggest financial burden is usually rent. Even if you’re fortunate enough to receive subsidized student accommodation, it will typically only last for the first year. And even when rent is covered, the cost of living in a major city can be high when transportation, food, and leisure are also accounted for.
Online programs cut out these costs entirely. Often, the cost of the program will be your only financial consideration when studying online.
5. Find A Course That Fits Your Talents and Learning Style
The value of picking a faculty that will aligns with your particular interests has already been mentioned. However, your learning style and talents are also highly relevant. Studying online will enable you to find a course structure that is suited to your temperament and abilities.
Perhaps you are a practical learner, for example. In this case, you might opt for a course that focuses on hands-on projects and work experience placements. Alternatively, you may prefer a more study-based approach. If this is the case, you could apply for a program that values theoretical learning.
Studying virtually enables you to pick a course without having to worry about the constraints of location and distance. This makes it all the more likely that you will find an opportunity that fits closely with your abilities.
6. Take Advantage of Hybrid Online and On-Campus Courses
Are you drawn to the benefits of studying online, but still eager to experience in-person teaching? If this is the case, you may wish to consider a hybrid program that combines the best elements of distance learning with the advantages of on-campus study.
Hybrid programs tend to consist of in-person lessons, tutorials and group activities that are combined with online assignments and lessons through webinars and simulations. As a student enrolled in a hybrid program, you will be tied to a specific location, but you’ll still get to experience many of the benefits described in previous points.
It’s also worth mentioning that students of all types now have access to an ever-improving tech framework, a phenomenon accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Moving forward, it is likely that universities will increase the number of hybrid programs they offer to cater to the desire for greater flexibility among prospective students. This is good news for people who are interested in this type of learning.
Study Online With EU Business School
Are you eager to follow a career in business? Perhaps you envision yourself at the head of your own startup, or working in an executive role at a large enterprise. Alternatively, you might wish to work for a mission-driven charity or NGO.
Whatever your ambitions, EU Business School can help. We offer a range of online programs, including foundation, bachelor’s, master’s, and MBA courses. As a student, you’ll learn all the skills you need to thrive in your chosen field through a mixture of webinars, group projects, and business simulations.
You’ll also benefit from a range of additional opportunities, including on-campus weeks in some of Europe’s leading business hubs (Barcelona, Geneva, Montreux and Munich), guest lectures, internship opportunities, and more.
