Study Abroad Myths & Fact Check

Let’s be honest - the idea of studying abroad is as daunting as it is inspiring. The journey from first considering studying abroad to stepping foot on a university campus on the other side of the world may seem long and full of hurdles, but good planning and a positive mindset can go a long way to making your dreams a reality. It’s scary, sure, but it’s also totally achievable. Here are some fears and myths about studying abroad that may be holding you back:

Myth #1. Studying abroad is too expensive.

Studying anywhere is probably going to be a costly venture to some degree, regardless of if you’re studying around the corner from your house or on the opposite side of the planet. The good thing is that the study abroad experience is only growing in popularity, and more and more opportunities for financial support are becoming available. Many universities now offer scholarships specifically for international students wanting to come to their school to study. It’s all just a matter of locating and applying for them. As a first port of call, get in touch with the international department of the university you want to study at to enquire about the scholarships they may offer. 

Myth #2. Studying abroad is just one big party holiday.

For some, studying abroad is just an excuse to get away from home and have a vacation. But it can be so much more than that. It can be a way to become more independent, a chance to immerse yourself in new cultures and languages, an opportunity to broaden your knowledge and gain international perspectives - it is what you make of it. The perfect study abroad experience will be a healthy balance between fun and learning, being social and being studious. If you arrive back home from your time abroad having found that balance, you can be satisfied knowing you had the perfect study abroad experience. 

Myth #3. Employers don’t care that I studied abroad.

With the globalization of the modern world, any international experience whatsoever is only going to be a benefit when applying for jobs and pursuing your career; it’s certainly not going to negatively impact your employment opportunities in any way. Listing on your CV that you've spent time abroad shows employers that you can take risks, are independent and can work with people from different backgrounds and cultures. 

Myth #4. Making friends while studying abroad will be too hard.

For some people, making friends while studying abroad won’t be an issue at all. But for the rest of us who have trouble just walking up to a stranger and introduce ourselves, it can be an incredibly daunting task. Luckily, most universities will host an array of programs and events specifically aimed at connecting international students from all around the world who are in the same boat. Before you know it, you’ll be making weekend plans with your new acquaintances and your worries of spending the semester alone in a foreign country will be quickly forgotten! 

Myth #5. I need to learn the language while studying abroad.

Chances are that you're contemplating studying a course taught in English when you go abroad, so in most cases, it isn't essential for you to learn the native language of the country (assuming it isn't English). Most foreign universities put a lot of focus on recruiting international students so English-taught programs are becoming more and more commonplace. Having said that, even knowledge of some basic phrases in the native language of that country will offer you a much more authentic study abroad experience, meaning you can immerse yourself deeper into the culture and interact more confidently with the locals. But in most cases, it's not a necessity.