Bursting Study Abroad Myths

When you decide to study abroad, it is a life-changing decision for both parents and students. Especially in India, where studying abroad is considered a big deal as it gives recognition to your degrees at a global level. Students who want to come out of their comfort zone and adapt to different cultures and lifestyles strive to get admission to a reputed college abroad like the USA, Australia, UK, etc. 

Though parents want the best for their children, a lot of online and offline misconceptions and myths stop them from making the right decision. This lack of awareness might also end up in parents or students making bad decisions that can impact their lives and careers in the long term. It is a good idea to get a hold of some of the most popular myths about studying abroad so that they do not hinder your progress towards a better quality of life. When you go through this article, you will be surprised how some of your ideas about studying abroad were unrealistic.

Top Myths About Studying Abroad

Studying abroad has many benefits like quality education, creating a good network, better research opportunities, learning about different cultures, etc. But if you are being bogged down by some of the misconceptions about studying abroad, you must go through the rest of this article which will bust the most common myths.

Myth #1 - It is very expensive to study abroad

This is the numero uno myth, and though there are some courses and universities which are quite expensive, you have a plethora of other affordable options too. Your cost of education would vary depending on the destination, course, duration, course, location of the university, etc. There are also various scholarships and education loans that can make your dream of studying abroad come true. 

For most students in India, the top priority is to study in the US or Canada. But in the last few years, many other countries like Germany, Italy, Australia, Denmark, Spain, and New Zealand have also become popular destinations for students. Most colleges in Germany either do not take tuition fees or take minimal fees. Canada and Germany also offer PR to students, which allows them to work and defray their cost of education.

Myth #2 - Studying abroad equals partying and fun

Most students who want to study abroad choose so because of global exposure and quality education. But there are also a large number of students who are deeply influenced by Hollywood movies and series and take studying abroad as a glorified vacation. But the truth can not be further from it. International higher studies are often about hectic timelines and grueling study hours. Apart from studies you also need to cook your food, clean dishes and your rooms too. Studying abroad is not a cakewalk, and you will have to put your heart and soul into it to get good marks to secure a life you dreamt of.

Myth #3 - It is unsafe to study abroad

Though there are places in the world with civil unrest or in a state of war that are best avoided, you can do your research and find out many cities abroad are safe to study in. Most universities abroad maintain a very high standard for their students' safety and are highly ranked on the safety parameter. Most colleges have safety cells for students with a zero-tolerance policy for racism, harassment, etc. Both students and faculty are bound by the rules to follow the protocols to keep the university a safe place for students worldwide.

Myth #4 - Indian employers do not give credit to foreign degrees

This is one of the skeptics that students who wish to study abroad have, around job opportunities in India. However, this is not at all true. Companies these days give weightage to the global exposure of candidates. Many multinational companies are also coming to India, which further raises opportunities to land high-paying jobs for students who study abroad. After studying abroad, students not just get international exposure but also acquire excellent social skills, strong problem-solving skills, self-reliance, global network, understanding of cross-cultural dynamics, and many other qualities that make them highly employable.

Myth #5 - High score will surely get you admission

A high score is not a sacrosanct criterion for most universities abroad. Though a high GRE, GMAT or SAT score can get you a head start, it does not ensure admission. As per experts, almost 50 percent of applicants with high scores get rejected. You do not qualify based on your scores entirely, but colleges look for a holistic personality.

Myth #6 - It is difficult to get scholarships

For international students, universities offer primarily two types of scholarships, i.e., merit-based and need-based. There are plenty of scholarships available in both categories which give you a full or partial waiver on your tuition fees. Based on the financial needs, many foreign governments and organizations also offer scholarships. You can also apply for scholarships through many financial and regional institutions. To understand the scholarship requirements of your target university, you can contact the office of financial assistance or the international students' community of the university.

Myth #7 - Europe is the only place for higher education

Many students believe that Europe is the best destination for higher studies. Though Europe is undoubtedly an education hotspot for foreign students owing to its lifestyle, affordable course fees, and high-class education, in recent years, there has been a rise in students in Turkey, Brazil, UAE, Russia, and Singapore. Some of the most sought-after courses in these countries are aviation, engineering, tourism, business management, and hospitality. Many of the universities in these countries allow students to work for 20 hours a week to support their education expenses.

Traveling to a foreign country is very different from residing in a country as a local (which is what you do as a student.) Meeting new people, knowing new cultures, etc., will enhance your life experiences and add richness to them. Hence, if myths about studying abroad have been stopping you from making the decision, I hope this article has clarified many of these popular myths.