Don't Let These 10 Study Abroad Myths Hold You Back!

Why study abroad? Let’s be honest - the idea of studying abroad is as daunting as it is inspiring. You might be thinking, should I study abroad despite all the obstacles? Well, these study abroad facts will change your mind. The journey from first considering a program overseas to actually stepping foot on a university campus on the other side of the world may appear to be long and full of hurdles, but good planning and a positive mindset can go a long way towards making your dreams a reality! It seems scary, sure, but it’s also completely achievable. Here are some common myths and challenges of studying abroad that may be holding you back - and how to overcome them!

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 in a different country. Then, why study abroad anyways? The good thing is that international education is only growing in popularity, and more and more opportunities for financial support are becoming available.

Though this may seem like one of the biggest challenges of studying abroad, many universities now offer scholarships specifically for international students! It’s all just a matter of finding and applying for them. As a first port of call, check out our Study Abroad Scholarship Directory for the most popular study destinations. Get in touch with the international department of the university you want to study at to enquire about more specific scholarships they may offer.

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

For some, when they ask themselves, ”Should I study abroad?”, the choice is more about finding an excuse to get away from home and have a vacation. Our list of study abroad facts will show you that it can be so much more than that. You will become more independent, immerse yourself in new cultures and languages, broaden your knowledge, and gain international perspectives – it is what you make of it.

The ideal 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 that you had the perfect international experience.

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

With technology that makes it easy to work internationally in 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. Rather than being one of the challenges of studying abroad, international experience is quite the opposite - it prepares you for a career!

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 introducing ourselves, it can be an incredibly daunting task.

Why study abroad then? Well, 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 will be quickly forgotten!

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

This myth is commonly seen as one of the biggest challenges of studying abroad when looking at international programs, but our study abroad facts say otherwise! 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 that you can immerse yourself deeper into the culture and interact more confidently with the locals. But in most cases, it's not a necessity!

Myth #6: Why study abroad when I can just travel?

More like, "Why travel when you can study abroad?"! Not only does studying abroad give you the opportunity to travel and see the world, it also allows you to study (funnily enough) and obtain a degree, or at least part of one.

Your connection to a foreign university may even make it easier for you to meet locals, immerse yourself in the culture, and make friends to go traveling with on the weekends. An international education might even give you new networks or show you career paths and subjects of interest that you would not have experienced in your home country. Studying abroad really is the best of both worlds!

Myth #7: Studying abroad is dangerous

When asking yourself, “Where should I study abroad?”, this myth is likely to come up, especially from parents. In reality, some countries will be safer than others, but overall, safety shouldn't be a major concern when deciding whether or not to study abroad.

Most universities will have established processes in place to help international students settle in and feel safe, whether that is helping you find accommodation, advising you on the safest public transport options, or connecting you with fellow students so you have friends to travel around with. Any good university will be able to give you all the information you need to make sure that your time abroad is safe, secure, and fun! Do your research on the country or city you're traveling to so you can learn as much as you can about the culture and any known safety concerns. Put plans in place to limit risks and keep your mind at ease!

Myth #8: I can’t study my major abroad

Regardless of the type of degree or subject of study you are interested in, there are plenty of study abroad opportunities in countries throughout the world - it's just a matter of finding them!

It may turn out that some countries offer higher quality education in certain subject areas than others, so do your research. If you're intending to do just part of your degree overseas (e.g. a semester or one year of a three-year Bachelor degree), chat with your university at home to see what kind of study abroad programs can be cross-credited to your qualification. There’d be nothing worse than returning from a year abroad only to find out that half of what you’d done wasn’t going to count towards your degree!

Myth #9: Studying abroad will just delay my graduation

If you've done your research and planned your overseas studies well, your time abroad won’t add any additional time to your degree. Courses taken at a foreign university should be able to be cross-credited easily into your existing qualification, meaning you will graduate at the same time as you would have originally – taking this concern off of your list of challenges of studying abroad.

If your time abroad is going to add more semesters to your degree, perhaps you're considering the wrong types of courses and should look into other options that allow you to cross-credit more effectively. If you’re unsure about planning and asking yourself, “When should I study abroad?”, talk with your university and the overseas school to see what the best plan of action is.

Myth #10: But what about everything I’ll miss out on back home?

It’s true – one of the biggest challenges of studying abroad is that life will continue without you while you’re away studying overseas. Of course, your friends and family are going to miss you like crazy, just as much as you’ll miss them.

However, one of our study abroad facts is that you’re only going away for a short time (in the big scheme of things), and thanks to modern technology (e.g. WhatsApp, Facebook or FaceTime), it’s never been easier to keep in contact with your loved ones over long distance. Make a plan with them for how you're going to talk regularly (perhaps schedule a weekly Skype date?). Reassure them (and yourself) that you will stay in touch, and if you're feeling homesick, they are just a quick phone call away.

So, after hearing the study abroad facts behind these myths and challenges of studying abroad, what's going through your mind? Are you no longer thinking, “Why study abroad?”, and instead wondering why you wouldn’t? In that case, it’s time to start planning! One of the most exciting times of your life awaits you.