Be it for a better quality of education or exposure to the outside world, studying abroad is one of the most sought after opportunities ever since the beginning.
Especially the ever famous idea of settling in the Western countries for a degree still thrives.
However, as this is a really big step towards a whole new life, there are many hesitations and uncertainties that run through a student’s mind.
So, to clear up some fog for you, here are 5 Myths about studying abroad that every aspiring international student must know :
MYTH 1- “HOW WILL I EVER COMMUNICATE IN A LANGUAGE I DON’T KNOW ? ”
If you’re planning to study somewhere in the West in an English speaking country then you are good to go with an IELTS or TOEFL qualification.
However, unlike in the past, the present is different and so are the preferences of the present generation.
Studying in Asian countries or Scandanavian countries or cultural arenas other than the Western English speaking world is now as preferred as wanting to study in the US or UK.
But how do students manage to adjust in countries where you have to speak a whole new language?
It does seem rather intimidating but it quiet isn’t because :
⦁ If you are planning to go as an international student then the faculty that is up to teach you is also going to be considerate of that fact!
⦁ Even if you are not versed like a pro in the language that you are going to encounter – with you continuously interacting with your local friends, teachers, people, and surroundings you wouldn’t have to learn the language but you will naturally absorb it!
⦁ Short language courses alongside your major are provided by many universities. You can pursue these alongside your major without having to devote any special time separately.
MYTH 2: “AN INTERNATIONAL DEGREE MAKES NO DIFFERENCE TO MY FUTURE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES!”
Well, if that idea even existed that might be a fact of the past ….
Because it does make a difference!
We have all heard of “Hey what’s the difference if it’s here or there? Employers don’t care about where you studied. That’s the least of their interest!
Well, it’s not really true.
Even though your skillset and experience top the charts for being considered by an employer … don’t forget the fact that today we live in the era of Globalization and hence, being globalized is a skill set too!
The fact that you have spent a good deal of time in a whole new country :
⦁ Proves for a fact that you have the skills to adapt.
⦁ Have more than just a local experience and view set.
⦁ Have skills that you know how to utilize within the international arena.
Just the act of studying in a place other than your own country provides you with a whole new perspective and adaptive skills that you didn’t even put a special effort to acquire.
MYTH 3: “IT’S MY ULTIMATE CHANCE TO ESCAPE HOME!”
Okay, wait!
If you really think that…. you have got to reconsider your choices and figure out your actual priority!
Even though to escape the monotony of our daily life and to create a new one abroad sound fairly tempting …. It’s not all fun and frolic!
In the term “studying abroad”, most of the time we get overexcited about the latter word and while forgetting the first one…. Which is “studying”!
Even if it won’t be relatively very difficult but it won’t be a piece of cake either.
Studying anywhere in the world requires focus and effort.
So even if it’s here in your home country or out there in your dream country you will have to stay ready to deal with a set of basic responsibilities and expectations.
⦁ Studying abroad requires the same amount of effort as studying anywhere
⦁ It requires you to be as committed as you would have been back home
⦁ It requires you to be equally focused.
⦁ You need to make sure that you don’t forget to devote your time to studies in general.
⦁ It’s not all fun and frolic and you will have to understand the fact that some basic responsibilities are supposed to be focused on regardless of your destination
MYTH 4: IT’S NOT WORTH STUDYING ABROAD IF IT’S NOT EITHER THE US OR CANADA!
Umm… I would love to agree to disagree on this one!
Yes, the US, UK, and Canada have been traditionally the most worshipped international studying destinations since times immemorial…
And yes they still are up in that top tier.
However, believing that these are the only options for quality education for someone seeking quality experience is an absolute mistake.
Some of the most sought after destinations are :
⦁ ASIA ITSELF: Be it Korea or Japan, we often forget to think that Asia itself is filled with qualitative educational opportunities.
⦁ They not only relatively cheaper but also just as qualitative as the western countries. Here is an article that tells you of “Why to study in Asia” – https://asiaexchange.org/studying-in-asia/why-study-in-asia/
⦁ NORDIC COUNTRIES: yes yes! Iceland does sound like the destination you would just go to see the northern lights but no!
Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and Estonia are some of the best study destinations.
In fact, it’s a very known fact that Finland stands to have the best education system in the world!
Read this article on “Top 5 Reasons on Why you should study in Nordic Countries”https://www.masterstudies.com/news/5-Top-Reasons-Why-You-Should-Study-in-the-Nordic-Countries-410/
⦁ EUROPE: Not only does it sound cool… it rather is! As informed by study.eu : “
“If you are a non-European citizen studying within the Schengen Area of 26 European states then you can easily obtain a student visa allowing you to visit other countries of the Schengen
Added to that , Thanks to the Bologna process of reforms, the national higher education systems of all European countries have been aligned. That means that any Bachelor or Master in Europe follows the same general academic framework. So, if you obtain your Master’s degree in Sweden it will be equivalent to a Master’s degree in Germany or Lithuania.”
Read this article by study.eu on “7 Reasons why you should Study In Europe” https://www.study.eu/article/7-reasons-why-you-should-study-in-europe
MYTH 5: “ I THINK THAT I WILL BE SO HOMESICK THAT I WOULD JUST WANT TO GO BACK ….”
Well, that is a factor that can lead to a lot of nervousness.
The fact that you will miss home, family, friends, and your comfort.
But it’s only human!
When you decide to step out, it takes a lot of bravery.
Once you go out there to study in a whole new country you definitely will miss home initially and everything about it.
But as you spend more time and interact more with your surroundings.. You will discover new people rushing into your life.
New friends, new experiences, new habits …. They will all fill the gap and space that you initially felt bothering you.
Because that’s how you grow!
It starts will discomfort, switches to acceptance, and then finally changes to life-changing experiences that you never even thought of!