Seven common myths about studying abroad

When researching where to study abroad, you might hear that it’s too expensive, that the university work is too hard, or that it’s simply too difficult to live far away from your family. While it’s true that it can be quite challenging to study abroad, there are many ways to address these concerns and make studying abroad work for you. 

We’ve decided to have a look at some of these myths to see if they really are something you should be concerned about.

1. It is expensive

The biggest myth about studying abroad is that it will be very expensive once you factor in costs of flights, tuition fees and living costs. And it’s true that studying abroad can be expensive, but there are some ways in which you can try to mitigate the costs.

The first is to do some research into tuition fees for international students in a range of countries. The US and the UK are among the most expensive destinations, but countries such as France, Germany and Canada offer cheaper tuition fees for international students with the same quality of education.

Second, it’s always important to look into the cost of living because this will not only vary by country, but will also vary by the city you choose. It might be that you have your heart set on studying in the US, so instead of living in expensive states such as New York or California, try one with a slightly lower living cost such as Iowa or Louisiana.

Another way to alleviate the cost of studying abroad is to find scholarships or financial aid. Most universities and governments will have scholarships or financial aid packages for international students, so be sure to find out how much you are eligible for when you are applying.

There are many other ways to alleviate the cost of studying abroad, such as finding a part-time job, buying second-hand books or not moving too far from where you live to save money on travel, so don’t let the cost of studying abroad put you off from applying overseas. 

The cost of studying abroad 

2. It isn’t safe 

There are still some people who believe that studying abroad is not safe. However, universities will have measures in place to keep their students safe such as campus police and shuttle buses for students moving around campus. 

There are also a range of apps and devices that you can use to share your location with friends while you are travelling around, to ensure that someone always knows where you are. 

You can also speak to students who are currently studying abroad about how they stay safe wherever they are studying. 

Apps and services for keeping safe as a student studying away from home 

3. It is difficult to make friends and fit in 

One worry that all students have when they are heading to university is that they won’t make friends or fit in. Many international students can feel this pressure on a higher scale because the culture will be different from what they are used to. 

However, if you keep yourself open to new experiences you will make friends before you know it. Join clubs, or try out a sport, or simply just introduce yourself to the person you are sitting next to in class. Remember that most new students are just as nervous as you are.

Most universities will offer social activities to welcome new students and there are often specific socials for international students too. This is a great way to meet others who are in the same position as you and share your culture with people from around the world. 

Making friends as an international student

4. Studying abroad doesn’t have the same value it used to 

There are some who say that a degree from a university abroad is no longer valued as highly by employers. However, this is far from the truth – many employers are looking for candidates who can demonstrate a range of skills that can be obtained when studying abroad. 

As well as gaining a degree from a recognised university, you will learn many skills such as the ability to adapt, resilience, independence and communication. These skills will make you competitive in the job market. 

What do top employers want from graduates?

5. You’ll miss events at home

Unfortunately, it’s likely that you will miss out on events and time with your family and friends while you are away at university. However, there are lots of ways to stay connected with your friends and family: Whatsapp, Zoom, emails and even letters and postcards. You might even find you have more to talk about when you do speak to them as you experience new adventures. 

You can also make sure that you plan to be home for important events by planning ahead and organising your travel around your study schedule. You could also invite people to come and stay near or with you (depending on your accommodation rules) and show them your new home. 

How to deal with homesickness at university

6. It’s just a long holiday

Some people see studying abroad as a long holiday and a chance for students to socialise and avoid studying. But this is far from the truth. 

Attending university is a commitment regardless of the destination you choose. With assignments, classes, social events and opportunities to develop your skills, it is far from a holiday. 

How to stop procrastinating – from a procrastination psychologist

7. You need to speak English fluently 

It is quite likely that if you choose to study abroad you will need to be able to speak a good standard of English, particularly if you choose to study in the US, UK, Canada or Australia. In fact you’ll probably need to take an English language test such as the IELTs or TOEFL. 

However, support will be available for students to improve their conversational English and it’s OK if you sometimes don’t understand phrases or words. You can always ask for help and you’ll find that your English will improve in no time. 

IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Duolingo? Your guide to English language proficiency tests