The tested technique of first principles thinking can add clarity and purpose to a study abroad preparation roadmap by eliminating ambiguity and settling doubts.
What Is First Principles Thinking?
Let us first understand what is first principles thinking before explaining how it relates to study abroad. A first principle is a fundamental principle or the most basic concept or assumption upon which an argument, a method or a system is can be built. The great Greek philosopher Aristotle defined a first principle as “The first basis from which a thing is known.”
Since you cannot break a first principle down any further, it gives you a glimpse into the fundamental truth behind an idea. When we craft our thinking process based on first principles, we practise what is referred to as First Principles Thinking.
First Principles Thinking For Study Abroad Success
We often find students right out of school, or those studying in college, excited about the idea of studying abroad. “I want to study abroad!”, “Everyone expects me to study abroad”, and “My world will crumble if I don’t study abroad” are some common expressions from internationally inclined students at this initial stage of their life journey. Here, first principles thinking can help them answer a far more important question, “WHY?”
Asking Why Is The First Step To Understanding Whether We Are Ready To Study Abroad.
Socrates, the early Greek philosopher credited as the Father of Western Philosophy, was of the opinion that structured questioning and thoughtful debate is key to examine the true quality or worth of an idea. Socrates would often play ignorant about a topic and ask questions regarding it in order to draw his pupils into a deep discussion or deliberation around it. Here’s a great TED-ED video on this.
In more contemporary times, Sakichi Toyoda, the founder of Toyota, is credited with creating the system of Five Whys. It is an iterative question-asking technique where one starts with a problem and keeps asking questions till one has drilled down to the root of the cause, and has gained sufficient clarity and knowledge about it to make a three year old understand. The Five Whys is a great example of First Principles Thinking.
Applying First Principles Thinking to Study Abroad Cases
It is important that students ask themselves the following questions to gain clarity on their motivations:
Q1 : WHY do you want to study abroad?
A : Because it will help me maximize my potential.
Q2 : WHY do you think it will maximize your potential?
A : Because apart from academics, the international college also offers a rich variety of clubs and co-curricular activities.
Q3 : WHY can’t you get the same opportunity in your own country?
A : I can. But while similar colleges in my native country offer interesting co-curricular activities as well, they don’t have the global span or diversity that the foreign college does.
Q4 : WHY is a global coverage and diversity important for you?
A : Because it is important to build rich bonds and nurture critical connections globally – even after college!
Q5 : WHY is maintaining global connections even after college important to maximize your potential?
A : Because being part of an international alumni network will help me unlock valuable opportunities to advance my career or business later on – much more than a native network (that’s restricted to just one country) will!
As we can see, the student here has a strong reason to study abroad. The motive, however, is not evident or obvious at first. It is only by applying the principle of Socratic questioning, or Sakichi’s Five Whys, that we can arrive at the logical foundations informing the student’s decision to study abroad and apply to a dream international university.
Final Word
Study abroad as a term may have an exciting ring to it, but there are countless variables and moving parts that can add uncertainly and confusion to the preparation and journey. It is easy for self-doubt to set in at times, and that can adversely affect our resolve and confidence levels. In moments of turmoil, the tested technique of first principles thinking can emerge as a lifeline and sanity booster by helping study abroad aspirants apprise and judge the validity of their choices, and return to the preparation arena with renewed vigour.
