To be honest, studying abroad is a dream for many people. However, there are so many obstacles to achieving your dream. Many students are confused about whether to study abroad or not due to these potential obstacles and challenges.
The journey from first thinking to pursuing a program overseas to entering a university campus abroad can be full of hurdles and challenges. As a result, it is crucial to understand the common myths and facts associated with studying abroad.
In this blog, we will discuss the 10 myths and facts that are commonly associated with studying abroad.
It costs too much to study abroad
Whether you are studying abroad or whether you are studying abroad or locally is certainly going to involve costs. Studying anywhere is almost certainly going to cost you money in the long run. So why do you want to consider studying abroad? The good news is that opportunities for financial assistance are increasing, and education abroad is now accessible to a wide section of people.
Even though it could seem like one of the most difficult aspects of studying abroad, despite potential financial challenges, many universities offer scholarships for international students. All you have to do is look for them and apply.
Studying abroad is like one big holiday
When considering whether to study abroad, some people are more interested in using the decision as an opportunity to take a vacation and escape their hometown. You can see that studying abroad can be so much more with our compilation of facts about it. It is what you make of it that will make you more independent, expose you to other languages and cultures, increase your knowledge base, and give you a global perspective.
The perfect study abroad program will strike a good balance between having fun and learning, as well as between socializing and studying. You will know that you had the ideal international experience if, upon returning home from your trip, you have achieved that equilibrium.
My international education is irrelevant to employers
Any international experience you have will help you when looking for jobs and advancing your career because modern technology makes it simple to work worldwide. It won’t, in any way, negatively affect your employment possibilities.
A CV that highlights your time spent overseas demonstrates to potential employers your independence, willingness to take chances, and ability to collaborate with people from many backgrounds and cultures. Studying abroad doesn’t have to be difficult; on the contrary, international experience helps you get ready for the workforce!
It will be difficult to make friends when studying overseas
Making friends while studying overseas won’t be a problem at all for some people. However, for the others of us who find it difficult to approach a stranger and introduce ourselves, this can be a very intimidating task.
So why study overseas? To connect overseas students who are in similar situations from all over the world, most universities will arrange a variety of events and programs. Your troubles will be swiftly gone as you make plans for the weekend with your newfound friends!
Language will be a barrier
When considering overseas programs, this fallacy is frequently perceived as one of the major obstacles to studying abroad, but our study abroad statistics prove otherwise! Most likely, you’re thinking of taking an English-taught course when you travel overseas. Therefore, if it isn’t English, it is often not necessary for you to acquire the native tongue of the nation.
English-taught programs are getting more and more popular because most foreign colleges concentrate a lot of emphasis on attracting international students. Having said that, even a basic command of the language in that nation will provide you with a far more realistic study abroad experience, allowing you to become more fully immersed in the local way of life and engage in more conversation with the locals. However, it’s not always required!
I can travel; why study abroad?
More along the lines of “Why travel when you can study abroad?” Studying abroad not only offers you the chance to see the globe and travel, but it also, ironically, enables you to pursue your studies and earn a degree or at least a portion of one.
You might even find it simpler to socialize with locals, see the culture, and make friends with whom to go on weekend trips thanks to your affiliation with a foreign university. You might even make new friends abroad through an international education, or it might introduce you to interesting fields and career options that you might not have encountered back home. Truly, studying overseas offers the best of both worlds!
It’s risky to study abroad.
This fallacy is likely to come up when you ask yourself, “Where should I study abroad?”—especially from parents. Although there will always be a degree of safety variation between nations, safety shouldn’t be a primary consideration when choosing to study abroad.
The majority of colleges will have procedures in place to assist new international students in settling in and feeling comfortable. These procedures may include assisting with housing searches, giving advice on the safest public transportation choices, or setting you up with other students so you have travel companions.
Any reputable university should be able to provide you with all the information you require to ensure a pleasant, safe, and safe stay abroad! Learn as much as you can about the culture and any known safety risks of the nation or location you are visiting by doing some research on it. Make arrangements to reduce hazards and ensure your peace of mind!
I can’t pursue my major overseas
You just need to look for study abroad possibilities; there are many available in many countries across the world, regardless of your desired degree program or area of study!
Do your homework because it can turn out that certain countries provide better education than others in particular academic areas. If you plan to complete only a portion of your degree—for example, a year or a semester of a three-year bachelor’s degree—talk to your home university about what study abroad options can be cross-credited with your degree.
Nothing would be worse than realizing that only half of your work from your year abroad would transfer toward your degree upon returning!
My graduation would be delayed if I study overseas
Your stay abroad won’t add any extra time to your degree if you’ve done your homework and carefully arranged your studies abroad. One less worry when studying abroad is that courses completed at an international university should be readily cross-credited into your current degree, allowing you to graduate at the same time as you would have otherwise.
You might be thinking about the wrong kinds of courses and should investigate other possibilities that enable you to cross-credit more successfully if your stay abroad will require you to take additional semesters to complete your degree.
If you’re not sure when to start planning and wondering, “When should I study abroad?” consult both your university and the foreign institution to determine the best course of action.
What about all the things I’ll be missing out on at home?
One of the most difficult aspects of studying abroad is indeed realizing that life will go on without you. Your loved ones will miss you dearly, just as much as you will.
But, one of the advantages of studying abroad is that, in the grand scheme of things, you’ll only be gone for a short while, and with the help of contemporary technologies like Facebook, WhatsApp, and FaceTime, staying in touch with your loved ones over vast distances has never been simpler.
Together, come up with a strategy for your frequent communication (maybe a once-a-week Skype date?). Assure them—and yourself—that you will stay in touch and that you can always give them a call if you’re missing home.
Conclusion
So, what’s on your mind now that you’ve heard the study abroad truth behind such myths and problems of studying abroad? Are you wondering why you wouldn’t study abroad rather than why you should?
University Hub is here to help you every step of the way if you’re prepared to go forward. As the top educational consultant, we offer professional guidance and individualized support to ensure that your study abroad experience is successful and effortless. Let us help you turn your dream of studying abroad into a reality. To get our support for your studying abroad dreams, contact us at +1 502-930-2702.
