Most Common Challenges of Studying Abroad - Insights from 1800+ Students

Studying abroad is a life-changing experience, but yes it comes with some of its own challenges. The challenges might vary from person to person but students planning to study abroad should be aware of the same. A recent poll with over 1800 participants sheds light on the biggest concerns faced by students planning to pursue education abroad.

Studying abroad is a dream for many – new experiences, top-tier education, personal growth, and that exhilarating feeling of starting fresh somewhere completely new. But alongside all the excitement, there’s also a fair bit of anxiety.

To understand what really weighs on students’ minds, we ran a poll asking: “What is your biggest concern about studying abroad?” Over 1800 students responded, and their answers paint a very clear picture of what it’s like preparing to study internationally in today’s world.

Let’s break down the results and talk honestly about each concern – what’s behind the worry, and how students can overcome it.

Poll Summary: What Is Your Biggest Concern About Studying Abroad?

Here are the poll results based on 1812 votes:

• Managing finances – 56%
• Admission process – 20%
• Visa approval – 18%
• Homesickness – 6%

1. Managing Finances (56%)

It’s really no surprise that more than half the students in the poll picked “managing finances” as their biggest concern. Let’s face it — studying abroad isn’t cheap. Over the years, the cost of international education has gone up significantly. The tuition fees, rent, daily expenses, and even just the cost of flights and student visa applications for study abroad together act as a lot for any international students planning to study abroad.

For many students, it’s not just about affording tuition — it is about wondering if they’ll be able to survive month to month in a new country. And that’s a heavy load to carry, especially when you're thousands of miles away from home.

Why It’s So Stressful

• International tuition is often 2-3x higher than domestic rates
• Living in cities like London, Sydney, or New York can burn through savings quickly
• Not all countries allow international students to work part-time freely
• Many scholarships are highly competitive or cover only partial costs

What Can Help?

• Start budgeting early – track your spending habits even before moving. Candidates should be aware about how to save money abroad. 
• Look into study abroad scholarships that are often under-publicized (especially university-specific ones)
• Consider affordable countries to study abroad like Germany, Poland, or Malaysia, where tuition is low or even free
• Speak to current students and ask what they spend monthly – their advice is often more real than any official estimate

Candidates can check the Cost of Living Calculator for Studying Abroad and know details about abroad expenses. 

2. The Admission Process (20%)

Coming in second, the other biggest concern for Indian students is the abroad admissions process. Applying to universities abroad often feels like a job application mixed with a personality test.

From gathering academic transcripts to writing your statement of purpose, booking English proficiency tests, requesting recommendation letters (LORs), and figuring out which portals to use – it’s a lot.

Why Students Struggle Here

• Every university has a different system and criteria
• Writing an effective SOP or personal essay can feel intimidating
• There’s a fear of missing deadlines or uploading the wrong documents
• It’s hard to know if your profile is competitive enough

What Can Help

• Create a master checklist for each university – it keeps everything clear
• Ask for feedback on your essays from mentors, professors, or even Reddit communities
• Candidates can check the Shiksha Study Abroad website and connect with the counselors to get better guidance which will help them in their planning to study abroad. 
• One should never hesitate to email admissions offices – they’re usually helpful and responsive

3. Visa Approval (18%)

The third biggest concern for students planning to study abroad was visa approval. This is very crucial in a student's study abroad journey. Candidates should be aware of each and every requirement for getting a student visa.

For example, you’ve got your admission abroad, you’ve planned your move, and then suddenly: a visa denial can stop everything. So, candidates should make sure to get their Student Visa process done under their admission deadline to avoid last minute hassle. 

Why is the Student Visa one of the major concerns for international students?

• Students worry they will mess up the interview or say the wrong thing
• Gathering the right documents can be confusing and overwhelming
• There’s always that anxiety of “what if they reject me?” even when everything is fine
• Visa decisions can sometimes feel random or unfair

What Can Help Students during their Visa Process?

• Join Facebook groups or Discord communities for your destination country – people often share visa interview questions and tips. If you are planning to go to the USA, you can check the popular USA F1 Visa Interview Questions and Answers. 
• Do a few student visa mock interviews with friends or online mentors
• Make sure your documents tell a consistent story – showing clear study plans and financial backing
• Don’t be afraid to show enthusiasm about returning home after studies – many visa officers look for that

4. Homesickness (6%)

Only 6% said homesickness was their biggest concern – but that doesn’t mean it’s not serious. Often, homesickness doesn’t show up until after a few weeks or months abroad, when the excitement wears off and the reality of being far from family and friends settles in. Being away from family, culture, and familiar environments can lead to loneliness. 

What Homesickness Looks Like?

• Missing familiar food, language, and festivals
• Feeling isolated or like an outsider
• Struggling to make deep connections in a new environment
• Wishing you could just be “home” when things get tough

How to Cope Homesickness?

One should know the tips to avoid homesickness abroad.

• Stay in touch with people back home, but don’t rely on them 24/7
• Join clubs, societies, or cultural groups at your university
• Build a daily routine to give your days structure
• Don’t hesitate to talk to a student counselor – they’ve seen this before, and they can help

Is Studying Abroad Worth It?

This poll gave us some real insights into what students are thinking – and feeling. And the truth is, it’s normal to be worried. These study abroad concerns don’t make you any less ready. They just make you human.

Whether it’s budgeting for study abroad, working on the paperwork, waiting on that visa, or missing home, every international student goes through it in some way.

But here's the good news: you’re not alone. There’s a whole ‘n’ number of international students out there, and most are more than willing to share what they’ve learned. 

There’s a powerful quote by Martin Luther King Jr. that says, “You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” In the same way, you don't have to be conscious about the challenges of studying abroad, instead you have to think of the results you will be getting post completion of your studies. 

If you're dreaming about studying abroad – keep dreaming, keep planning, and take things one step at a time.