Common Myths About Studying Abroad

The number of students studying abroad has steadily grown over the last 25 years.  Many of us dream of completing our studies abroad. Yet many of us are still hesitant to pursue our higher education internationally. Although, at first the prospect of studying abroad can be unnerving, studying abroad is not just about getting a foreign degree. It’s about learning a new culture, lifestyle, making friends from diverse ethnicities, and experiencing new things! In this blog, we are going to bust some popular myths that may be holding you back from studying abroad. 

Also Read: Busting 10 Biggest Myths About IELTS

Myth 1: Studying Abroad is Expensive

One of the most common myths about studying abroad is that students consider studying abroad to be a very expensive deal. Although costs may vary depending on the type of university, courses, and the duration of the courses, it often deters students from pursuing their higher studies internationally. However, there are many universities that offer scholarships and financial aid, especially to foreign students in order to encourage them to study abroad. They also offer cheap accommodation in the form of shared dorms and other facilities within the campus, which can also help save money. Students just need to contact the relevant universities to inquire about the scholarship and financial aid programs before applying. 

Myth 2: The Language Barrier

The language barrier is another myth about studying abroad that stops students from pursuing their higher studies internationally. Students feel the need to learn the native language of the country in which they want to study, and this may also be seen as a hurdle to studying abroad, since learning a new language is time-consuming. However, there are many international universities that offer their courses in English. Additionally, you can always inquire about the language prerequisites before applying, so that before the beginning of your course, you can learn the basics of the language with the help of audiobooks and language classes. You can also view this as a great opportunity to learn a new language. 

Myth 3: Making Friends and Acquaintances Will Be Hard

This myth about studying abroad is often one of the big reasons why people prefer to complete their studies nearer to their homes. While it may be easier for certain people to easily make friends wherever they go, there are still students that find it difficult to approach other people. However, studying abroad gives you an excellent opportunity to improve your social skills and expand your social network. Students get a chance to make new friends and acquaintances during orientations and team-building programs. Some universities also host a variety of programs that aim at connecting international students from all over the world, to make them feel more comfortable. Many universities have clubs, societies, and events for like-minded students to interact with other students and seniors.

Myth 4: Studying Abroad is Dangerous

This myth about studying abroad is understandable since parents are often concerned about the well-being of their children when they move to a foreign country to study. While some countries are safer than other countries, many international universities have a zero-tolerance policy toward harassment and bullying. These universities also have safety measures around their campus and also provide useful information that will help them in traveling safely or acquiring appropriate accommodation. Additionally, you can also do your own research on safety and security measures such as relevant authorities, before you travel abroad, in order to limit any risks and challenges you may encounter. 

Myth5: Desired Major Will Not be Available

Students feel discouraged when they do not find their desired major or course abroad. This myth about studying abroad is often a result of misunderstanding and lack of research. Students can always enquire with the relevant foreign universities or seek educational consultants regarding the degrees and courses offered internationally, in order to gain more clarity about the choice of programs that are available. In fact, students can find better and popular majors in a foreign country. Sometimes there is an underlying confusion,  names of the major and programs may differ, hence it is always better to check the syllabus before assuming that your desired program is not available. 

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Myth 6: Studying Abroad May Lead to Delay in Graduation

The myth about studying abroad can lead to delayed graduation can easily be overcome if the students do their research well and plan their studies properly. Also, courses taken at a foreign university can be cross-credited easily into your existing qualification, meaning you will graduate at the same time as you would have originally. Students also get the opportunity to study in advanced classes which may boost up their GPA, which may not be available in your local universities. 

Myth 7: Fear of Missing Out

It’s inevitable that you will miss out on things back home when you decide to pursue your studies abroad. Nonetheless, there is a positive side to this. You get to create new memories and gain new experiences with new friends. Also, thanks to technological advances and apps such as Zoom and Whatsapp, you can always connect with your family and friends virtually. Annual or biannual visits home can makes homecoming more exciting and is a great way to swap stories with friends and family.

Myth 8: Employers Don’t Value an International Degree

This particular myth about studying abroad is not completely true. After globalization, students having international degrees are preferred by most businesses and employers. They want students who have professional degrees from recognized foreign universities because it adds more value to their company.  Listing on your CV that you have spent time abroad shows employers that you can take risks, are independent, and can work with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Myth 9: Studying Abroad is All About Partying and Having Fun

While having fun and partying is a part of every student’s dream, your main reason for studying abroad should be quality education. Students often view studying abroad as being easy and simple, but the fact is, not everything revolves around fun and partying. Learning and building valuable skills are the key elements of international education because studying abroad is a rare opportunity that can offer exceptional educational possibilities. You can always have fun and find time to relax, but not at the cost of your education. 

Myth 10: Only Students With High GPAs Can Study Abroad

The myth that only students with high GPAs can study abroad has discouraged many students from pursuing their higher studies in foreign universities. Although many international universities require students to have high GPAs to apply for their programs, there are still universities that have lower GPA requirements for students. This requirement may change from university to university. Also, GPA is not the only deciding factor for some universities when it comes to accepting students. Certain universities also accept students on the basis of their GMAT or GRE scores and work/practical experience. 

Also Read: Busting the Top 5 Myths of Indian MBA Applicants

After busting all these myths about studying abroad, you will surely love to watch these students talk about theirs in this video. These kids talk about myths like the cost to study abroad, minimum marks to study abroad as well as diving into a new culture. Check it out!

We hope that through this blog, we have cleared the top myths about studying abroad. In reality, there are many more myths and false facts around studying abroad, which often stop students from studying at their desired international universities. If you still have more doubts on study abroad, get in touch with Leverage Edu experts!