Studying Abroad: Expectations vs Reality

While studying abroad may seem like a great experience, every friend or reference you ask who has lived abroad will attest that it isn’t easy juggling schoolwork, employment, and living on your own without parents. Studying abroad will definitely have its share of exciting moments, but they may not play out the way you anticipate. Stay away from the “expectations vs realities” viewpoint that might ruin your study abroad experience.

If you’re about to embark on your college journey and are looking for some genuine perspective on what it’s going to be like out there, we’ve got you covered. We’ve laid down some of the most typical expectations about studying abroad and debunked them.

List of Study Abroad Expectations and Realities

Expectation 1: I’ll be exploring every day, travelling every weekend, and living my best life!

Studying abroad will not make you adore travelling every other day; you’ll have busy days. There will be a lot of homework and studying. You’ll be too exhausted to do anything after a day of classes. Your daily routine may include attending classes, self-study, buying groceries, cleaning the room, etc. That doesn’t mean you won’t have time at all. End of the semester, you will have time to explore some places. College students work part-time to manage their money.

Expectation 2: I’ll make many international pals

You may not make many friends right away due to culture shock when you arrive in a new country. Everything about their culture, from their outlook on life to their language skills, is drastically different from yours. There will also be differences in traditions. Getting used to the university environment and people in general will take time. You may befriend your roommates and classmates. In addition, you may broaden your social circle by participating in clubs, going to parties and other social events.

Expectation 3: I will speak a foreign language like a native.

In your home country, you may imagine you will learn a foreign language and talk like a foreigner, but this is not true. The residents of that country will talk and communicate better than you. The best way to learn a new language is to immerse yourself in it while studying abroad fully. You will eventually learn and adjust to the locals’ speech patterns if you immerse yourself in their language and culture.

Expectation 4: It will be easy for you to secure a job and, subsequently, a green card after you complete your studies.

Many countries have strict immigration policies. In the West, the idea of campus placements does not exist for job seekers. Your only option is to seek a job on your own. You will be required to begin your employment as an intern, but once a certain period of time has passed, you will be integrated into the organisation. Furthermore, immigration is not guaranteed by employment. As a student, stay focused on your studies and have a good track record to.

Expectation 5: I may often visit my home country

While planning to study abroad, students frequently tell their loved ones that they will visit regularly. However, after they arrive at their study-abroad locations, they may find it difficult to return home as often as they have hoped. It usually takes at least 2 to 4 years to return home. Their everyday lives might be so hectic that they forget to give their loved ones a call every once in a while. So, it could be heartbreaking if you’re looking forward to visiting your own country and seeing loved ones often.

Pros and Cons of Studying Abroad

The chance to study in a foreign country might be a once-in-a-lifetime, unforgettable adventure. Hence, we are listing the benefits and drawbacks of studying abroad.

Pros:

• Students gain valuable cultural awareness and sensitivity. 
• For students studying in a country where the primary language isn’t their native one, it provides full immersion practice. 
• Students learn to adapt to unfamiliar situations without a typical support system.
• Having international experience makes students more attractive to employers in an increasingly global job market. 
• Studying abroad fosters friendships across cultures and countries.
• Students can study unique subjects abroad or gain credentials from prestigious foreign universities.

Cons:

• Tuition, travel expenses, living costs, etc., make studying abroad significantly more expensive than staying local. Financial aid options may be limited.
• Living so far from friends and family can induce loneliness and culture shock, especially at the beginning. 
• For students with limited skills in the local language, daily tasks like shopping, transportation or academic work pose bigger challenges. 
• Not all courses taken abroad may directly fulfill home university requirements, affecting graduation timeline. 
• Being far from campus resources and relationships built up at home university can feel isolating during difficulties.
• Unfamiliar risks in a new country require extra precautions, planning and documentation for emergencies.

Conclusion

While studying abroad promises exciting adventures and rewarding experiences, it’s important to manage expectations and be prepared for challenges. Going into it with an open mindset about both the exciting rewards and potential difficulties will set you up for a more meaningful experience. Maintaining connections to your roots through online calls and messages can also help manage the ups and downs of culture shock and homesickness. Overall, studying abroad comes with tradeoffs, but the cultural awareness, resilience and global perspective you gain will last a lifetime. With proper planning and expectations, the benefits far outweigh any challenges.

FAQs

Q1. What are the disadvantages of studying abroad?
A1. High living expenses, language barriers, and homesickness are some major disadvantages of studying abroad.

Q2. Is studying abroad stressful?
A2. Studying abroad can be stressful as one can feel anxious and homesick about living in a new country. However, this stress can be relieved by maintaining a social life and exploring the place.

Q3. Why studying abroad is better?
A3. Having international experience makes students more attractive to employers in an increasingly global job market.

Q4. Is it good for Indians to study abroad?
A4.Yes, the education offered by these foreign countries is much more specialised than the general undergraduate and graduate programmes in India.

Q5. Where do most Indians go to study abroad?
A5. Some top destinations for Indian students include the US, the UK and Australia.