So, you’re thinking about studying abroad? Big move, hectic schedule, heavy packing, exciting future. But now everyone, even your great grandmother, suddenly has opinions-
“Too expensive.”
“Only smart kids go.”
“You’ll get lost and live off instant noodles forever.”
Terrifying.
But breathe. Before you pack your bags or abandon the dream completely, let’s bust some of the most common myths that come with the plan of studying abroad. Half of them is straight-up ___________ (Fill in the blank. Hint: Non-sense/Cow dung). We say this with experience (and love).
“You have to be rich to study abroad.”
International tuition fee and flight expenses is not a bed of roses. But being rich isn’t a requirement- being resourceful is, being able to fetch the right financial aid is.
There are scholarships. There are part-time jobs. There are fully funded master’s programs if you know where to look (hi, Europe).
Pro tip: start early.
So no, your bank account doesn’t have to look like Jeff Bezos’ (or the Ambani’s for that matter). Just be smart with your planning or even better, rent out our smartness!
“Only top-ranked or Ivy League schools are worth it.”
Just because a university isn’t on the cover of Vogue or The People Magazine doesn’t mean it’s not legit. Some of the best schools for research, innovation, or student experience are not ranked as one of the tops but they still give the exact education, network, and career launchpad you need.
Trust us, we have done our research and sent our students, and they have loved it.
“You need to know another language.”
People think if you’re going to study in France, you must start speaking fluent French like a character in Emily in Paris (if you understand this reference, please let’s talk about Sylvie’s dresses first and prep SATs later? Kidding).
But most global universities offer courses in English even in non-English speaking countries. Of course, learning the local language helps with making friends and exploring local markets but it’s not mandatory.
On a similar note, you also don’t have to be Shashi Tharoor or Sylvia Plath to crack those English Proficiency tests. If you have studied in an English medium school, you’re already almost there!
“Studying abroad is basically a long vacation.”
Memorise: Northgate students have pulled more all-nighters abroad than they ever did at home.
Sure, the weekends might be filled with travel and Instagrammable cafes. But weekdays? It’s lectures, projects, part-time jobs, and figuring out how your roommate still manages to score well after partying every day.
It’s not a vacation. It’s just life, in another time zone.
“You’ll be homesick and miserable.”
Very true homesickness does happen. You will cry over a missed festival AND when you crave your mom’s cooking at weird hours AND upon realizing you and your best friend’s schedules do not align anymore AND…the list goes on (you’re basically a cry-baby by now).
But. You will also meet people from all over the world, build friendships that feel like family, and slowly, without realizing it, you create a second home.
What we are saying is that homesickness comes and goes. Your global circle stays.
“It’s too hard to adjust.”
Adjusting to a new country is very depressing at first. You’ll forget to set up your alarm, sleep at the wrong dorm, buy the wrong milk, rent new cutlery and not know how to use it, accept that all step-by-step guides come in the local language and smile awkwardly when someone uses slang you don’t understand.
But then you figure it out. You find your coffee spot. You start thinking in two currencies. And soon you become that person giving tips to new students. It’s wild how fast our students adapted to life abroad.
All humans do, you will too. We’re built for it.
“A foreign degree won’t help your career.”
From an employer’s point of view, do you know what we love? People who’ve stepped out of their comfort zone.
Studying abroad shows you can navigate new environments, work with diverse teams, and have solutions to all problems at the tip pf your nose.
Flex.
And the global alumni network? A chef’s kiss for career growth.
“You have to do your whole degree abroad.”
Please, NOT AT ALL. Studying abroad doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Start small, see how it feels, and go from there. There are semester exchanges, summer schools, research trips, language programs, you name it. Short term programs are a great way to experience global education without the full multi-year commitment.
So, test the water before diving in headfirst- it is definitely an option.
As a study abroad firm, we have had more confused students come to us for help than students who were ready to start. It is completely normal to overthink about a cousin’s friend’s uncle’s experience, but it is important that you ask the real questions, talk to people who would know and help you, believe you can really do this, and finally get ready to claim your corner of the world.
Written By – AKOSMEETA HAZARIKA
