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Common myths about Studying abroad

Here’s the blog to clarify you common myths about studying abroad, check out this now!

August 23, 2022

CoachingSelect
By CoachingSelect

Career & Coaching Expert

CommonmythsaboutStudyingabroad
  1. Studying Abroad is Expensive:
  • General misconception: The general impression is that studying abroad could be unimaginably expensive, which might leave you drowning in an ocean of debt.
  • Cost Vary as per Course: Although costs may vary depending on the type of university, courses, and the duration of the courses, it often deters students from pursuing their higher studies internationally.
  • Scholarship: there are many universities that offer scholarships and financial aid, especially to foreign students in order to encourage them to study abroad. They also offer cheap accommodation in the form of shared dorms and other facilities within the campus, which can also help save money. Students just need to contact the relevant universities to inquire about the scholarship and financial aid programs before applying.
  • So the answer to the question whether overseas education is an affordable option or not rests on you.
  1. The Language Barrier:
  • That’s incorrect because any course can be taught through a global perspective. It was seen more in the past that most of the study abroad programs were related to humanities or languages; however, in recent times there has been an increase in the number of students opting for social sciences, engineering, math, sciences and business.
  • Students feel the need to learn the native language of the country in which they want to study, and this may also be seen as a hurdle to studying abroad, since learning a new language is time-consuming.
  • However, there are many international universities that offer their courses in English. Additionally, you can always inquire about the language prerequisites before applying, so that before the beginning of your course, you can learn the basics of the language with the help of audiobooks and language classes. You can also view this as a great opportunity to learn a new language.
  • If you are not attuned to listening to foreign accents, you may find it initially difficult to comprehend what’s being said. But this is an easy problem to overcome. Take this as an opportunity for a new language or different English in a foreign country is an immense opportunity to enhance your linguistic proficiency. The most effective and fastest way to language learning is to acquire it in a natural context.
  1. Making Friends and Acquaintances Will Be Hard:
  • Even before you realise, you’ll be part of your clique. Universities abroad recognize the need to make their international students feel at home. Schools make conscious attempts to promote healthy cultural exchange.
  • This experience will be the cornerstone of your education, by influencing your personality and instilling in you a greater understanding of people outside your boundaries. You begin to appreciate the differences and diversity while harbouring a spirit of camaraderie.
  • This myth about studying abroad is often one of the big reasons why people prefer to complete their studies nearer to their homes. While it may be easier for certain people to easily make friends wherever they go, there are still students that find it difficult to approach other people.
  • Students get a chance to make new friends and acquaintances during orientations and team-building programs. Some universities also host a variety of programs that aim at connecting international students from all over the world, to make them feel more comfortable. Many universities have clubs, societies, and events for like-minded students to interact with other students and seniors.
  1. Studying Abroad is Safety issues:
  • While some countries are safer than other countries, many international universities have a zero-tolerance policy toward harassment and bullying. These universities also have safety measures around their campus and also provide useful information that will help them in traveling safely or acquiring appropriate accommodation.
  • With so many incidents happening all over the world, it’s quite certain that some parents become skeptical in sending their children abroad for education, but doing so doesn’t help either. Students should be open to fear, or for that matter, anything to face since they will be on their own in a foreign city.
  • Many universities and colleges abroad conduct programs or crash courses for students on how to get around in a foreign city or town. You can either follow them or follow your heart, the choice is yours.
  1. Desired Major:
  • This myth about studying abroad is often a result of misunderstanding and lack of research. Students can always enquire with the relevant foreign universities or seek educational consultants regarding the degrees and courses offered internationally, in order to gain more clarity about the choice of programs that are available.
  • Sometimes there is an underlying confusion, names of the major and programs may differ, hence it is always better to check the syllabus before assuming that your desired program is not available.
  1. Studying Abroad May Lead to Delay in Graduation:
  • courses taken at a foreign university can be cross-credited easily into your existing qualification, meaning you will graduate at the same time as you would have originally.
  • Students also get the opportunity to study in advanced classes which may boost up their GPA, which may not be available in your local universities.
  •  If you plan ahead and ensure that you fulfill all your credits on time, your graduation will not be delayed. In fact, recent findings show that graduation rates for those who studied abroad are 17.8% higher than those who didn’t.

 

  1. Employers Don’t Value an International Degree:
  • After globalization, students having international degrees are preferred by most businesses and employers. They want students who have professional degrees from recognized foreign universities because it adds more value to their company.
  • Listing on your CV that you have spent time abroad shows employers that you can take risks, are independent, and can work with people from different backgrounds and cultures
  • This is absolutely incorrect and we all know it! Employers are increasingly looking for individuals who can speak another language and work in a cross cultural environment.
  • Simply mentioning your overseas education experience in your resume is not going to help you much; you will have to find ways to show the employer what you learned through your experience and the various skills you developed during the course duration.
  1. High GPAs Can Study Abroad:
  • The myth that only students with high GPAs can study abroad has discouraged many students from pursuing their higher studies in foreign universities.
  • though many international universities require students to have high GPAs to apply for their programs, there are still universities that have lower GPA requirements for students. This requirement may change from university to university.
  • GPA is not the only deciding factor for some universities when it comes to accepting students. Certain universities also accept students on the basis of their GMAT or GRE scores and work/practical experience.
  1. Europe is the only destination:
  • Students can choose to go to any country across the globe. As per the Open Doors Report, it was found that four of the top ten destinations featured are outside of Europe, which are: Australia, Costa Rica, China, and Argentina.
  • Canada saw a massive surge in the number of international students owing to many reasons. Ireland is another destination that has been drawing a significant number of international students, and the figures are increasing since the ‘2 year stay back option for postgraduates’ was rolled out.
  1. Indian Students Get Neglected:
  • Not True at All, Colleges Strive Towards Building an Inclusive Environment.  To a great extent, the media is responsible for creating a misunderstanding about Indians.
  • At colleges, professors are more like mentors than teachers; very approachable and eager to help students resolve issues related to academics or otherwise. The education culture in foreign universities is based on the ideology of unhindered learning and creating a conducive educational ambiance.
  • The school is familiar with our cultural uniqueness, and they are more than welcoming. You will be surprised at how wonderfully and spontaneously local students accept you and offer their assistance.

 

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