As a computer science researcher and lecturer working for a public university in Thailand I can say that most of my (younger) colleagues have spent considerable time abroad, thereby earning M.Sc. and PhD degrees. This is seen here as a must for advancing your career in my field. But I suppose it depends on the area you want to work later.

Maybe the question could benefit even more by extending it to one that includes ideas on benefits/drawbacks of "working abroad". What are the consequences for senior researchers when leaving their environment, working abroad and returning home?

http://www.universityworldnews.com/article.php?story=20130530121357963

Hello Michael, thank you for your contribution and comment. I intended to keep the focus of the question positiv, at least neutral. While going abroad it is advisable to think about the Goals, the purpose and expectations as well as the time line. While a shorter stay abroad (up to a year) could be a good idea in many cases, it could Change into the opposite if you stay much longer as you may loose contact to the Research infrastructure in your home Country.

@Ruediger, I haven't intended to sound negative, after all. It was just about extending the focus from students with a funding/scholarship background to people who decide to work abroad. Like I did, BTW.

In your reply you've mentioned already one drawback of going abroad: losing contact to your familiar environment.

The government of my country send people to get their degree (pgt, pgr) so that they could return (it is the scholarship requirement) to Kazakhstan and help to develop our country. As we are a developING country, knowing English is prioritised. You have more career opportunities if you speak English fluently. Moreover, if you have a degree from a developed English-speaking country your career promotion chances increase.

I agree with recent Aliya's answer. The experience obtained in course even short-time staging and working abroad has a great significance. But if you are above forty years old and already occupy some positions in own country, the staging abroad may "exert" because your responsibility became large and mobility is decreasing. Resume: "oh, blest the men whose youth was youthful" (Alexander Pushkin).       

To my mind abroad experience can be beneficial for creating a network of connections with various universities in other countries.

Dear Pavel, yes Networking is very important and even more today. For this conference participations, short-time stays would provide the Dynamics to constantly add and increase your contacts. This is not necessarily the case if you get stuck at a place too Long.

Dear Rüdiger, modern networking opportunities such as ResearchGate activity, to my mind, became very useful for researchers because allow us to overcome, even though partially, the shortage of their mobility. Serge

Dear Serge, thank you for your contribution. I do agree that Exchange and Networking platforms improve scientific Exchange. You know, there are an enormous numbers of national and international journals, periodicals, but also books and conference prceedings which are published every year. In the past it was much more difficult to know and see whant has been done already somewhere. Networks like ResearchGate improve the dissemination and spread of Information. That is very beneficial in my eyes. However, I have the Impression that shorter Exchange stays, like 3 month or max. a year, would be more advantageous for a career. While Longterm stays abroad require intensive planning as well as sufficient funds, it is - of course - already easier with conference participations, but still they are not always easy, depending on Background and personal Situation (i.e. mobility vs. formal conditions). The easiest way for Networking, at least for many, remains the one by Internet platforms. You do not Need to plan much, it doesn't cost you a lot, you can Exchange literature a.s.o.

In other wards you benefit your country by creating a long lasting relationship between your country and the degree awarding country aboard. this parnship will enhance country development

I guess I've misunderstood the intention of Rüdiger's question: "Did it really boost your career in your home country?" My question is, setting aside the career advancement, etc benefits, was your (the individual who studied abroad and came home to work/teach, etc) career more productive? than if he/she had not earned their degree abroad? And/or if teaching in higher education for example, did what you learn abroad affect your students' learning? If so, how?

Studying abroad has tremendous benefits upon return to home country. Talk about the quality of the research facilities and faculties and the skills developed. It definitely boosts one's career upon return to home country. Looking at the African clime where there is a huge research gap when compared to developed societies, the benefits are outstanding.

Studying abroad has tremendous benefits upon return to home country. This is a great opportunity for me to enrol PhD in the best and ranking universities of world. I want to gain a knowledge and skills in the field of bioinformatics. This is a great platform for me to complete research study abroad. when i return to the home country and start a job in any research institute then i will collaborate with the foreign universities. It could be a great experience for me to study abroad. I want to use these acquired skills in my home country Pakistan specially in the field of bioinformatics because bioinformatics in Pakistan is in the beginning stage a lot of skills person are required in the different departments of the country. In other wards I want to benefit my country by creating a long-lasting relationship between my country and the degree awarding country aboard. This partnership will enhance country development.

Sure it is. Studying abroad comes with lots of benefits and exposure. Studying in a renowned university abroad with better research facilities and laboratories will indeed improve the quality of research done by the student and also the chance of getting his or her work published in top ranking journals. Another benefit is networking. The candidate is able to meet researchers whom he can collaborate with and get better research work done.