Expectations vs Reality of Studying Abroad

"I am going to study abroad. I will make new friends and visit new countries regularly." Many students believe that pursuing overseas education is all about fun and adventure. At some points, they are right, but there are some misconceptions about studying abroad that you might have heard. We don't want to burst your excitement bubble, but to give you a more realistic view.

Studying abroad plays an important role in changing the career of a student. Before actually visiting the study destination, students explore to know more. They connect with family and friends who have already visited there. Based on such conversations, many start dreaming about their life abroad and build up a lot of expectations from their stay abroad. When they reach there, they find the reality is different.

To save you from getting disappointed, this article is going to cover the expectations vs reality of studying abroad. This will give you a clearer picture before you actually reach there. Also, we will suggest doing a lot of research and watching realistic videos of the country, student life, the university, and the course. 

Common Expectations and Reality of Studying Abroad

So, here are the major misconceptions and expectations which usually don’t get fulfilled. Read on.

Expectation: I’ll explore the new place every day and will go on lots of adventurous trips

Reality: Most likely you’ll be so busy with academics and a busy schedule, that you won’t find time to fulfil your dream of being an explorer. Your weekends will be relatively free but you’ll be busy socially within your town or city, rather than taking cross-country trips.

Expectation: I’ll master the foreign language easily and will make foreign friends immediately.

Reality – A new language takes a lot of time to master and you will start out slow. As far as making international friends is concerned, during the initial few months, you’ll be dealing with a cultural shock which will make you look for people with a familiar background as you. Over the time you will open up to the new culture, but you can’t expect such a change to happen immediately.

Expectation – The new country will be a place like heaven.

Reality – Like other things in life, there is no perfect country in this world. Every country is dealing with some issue or another, and different cultural costumes may be totally different than what we consider the norm in India.

Expectation – After finishing your studies you will easily get a job; then a green card

Reality – Immigration laws of many countries are very strict. As long as finding a job is concerned, the concept of ‘campus placements’ don’t exist in the west. You will have to run around and find a job yourself. Whether you like it or not, you will have to start as an intern; the company will absorb you after a stipulated time. Plus, jobs are not a guarantee to immigration. Remember you are still a student; the best thing you can do right now is to focus on academics, and leave the scheming and plotting to become an illegal immigrant for the moment.