The journey to study abroad is a transformative experience; the journey is both challenging and has some really amazing opportunities. Most students dream of visiting new cultures, extending their academic reach, and creating long-lasting memories on the other side of the border. However, there are barriers to stepping into a new education system. Funding, cultural differences, academic expectations, and emotional well-being are all things that can be difficult to manage and often these things take a lot of preparation and awareness. In this blog, I’ll share my experience on the pros and cons of studying abroad and how it most likely will affect your future.

In this blog, we've provided information and covered some of the most common questions such as adjustment to new food habits, credit transfer, and academic stress. We also have some practical advice on how to deal with financial stress and comply with legal requirements, and tips to help you get emotional support and minimize your risk in other countries. 

To make sure you are excited and more aware of the realities of studying abroad, this article will surely make you more aware of the excitement and realities of studying abroad. But we hope you’ll stick around to get practical, relatable advice to get the most out of your study abroad experience and feel ready to tackle whatever comes.

Read More: Pros and Cons of studying in Europe 

Disadvantages of Studying Abroad

1. Dealing with Homesickness When Studying Abroad

International students know that homesickness is real. Feeling isolated can happen when you’re far away from home, in a place you don’t know, and in a culture and language that isn’t yours. This feeling can be amplified because of things like missing family gatherings, birthdays for friends, and even simple small daily routines. The feeling of homesickness isn’t just emotional; it can have a negative effect on concentration, motivation, and academic performance.

Solution: The most important thing to do to fight homesickness is to stay in touch with family and friends back home. Just setting up regular phone calls, video chats, or even quick messages makes a big difference. One other way to get started with a new environment is to make some connections with other students in the same boat. Before you even land to study abroad, you can join study abroad WhatsApp groups where students from your country share advice and experiences. 
When you’re abroad, get involved in local events, join clubs, and attend social gatherings with other students because you can make friends once you’re abroad. Doing this allows you to feel grounded in this new environment, and helps you to form a support network as an additional level of support. The longer you’re abroad, the more you get to know local traditions, and the more memories you make in this new culture, the more those feelings of homesickness can turn into a love for the unique opportunities abroad.

2. Overcoming Language Barriers in a New Country

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Realizing that language barriers are a major challenge for international students is even stronger if the country where they live is non-English speaking. It can be stressful to ask for directions, order food, or just chit-chat in class. Such a language barrier can also play a part in making human connections difficult because misinterpretations and frustration can make it quite hard. It is difficult in academic settings to catch lectures, complete assignments or actively participate in discussion.

Solution: Early learning apps such as Duolingo, and similar language apps that help you learn the language basics before you even get there. A foundation in everyday phrases will put you a step ahead. When you arrive, take the plunge into language immersion by practicing with locals, watching local TV shows, music, etc in the language. One great way to practice is to find a local language exchange buddy, someone who’s looking to learn your native language or learn English, and partner with them. But most people will be patient and appreciative when you make an effort, so don’t be scared into not trying to communicate.

Read More: US Education system: Pros and Cons

3. The High Cost of Living for Students Abroad

As with most things in life, living costs vary wildly depending on the city and country you study in, and major countries (particularly in the UK, USA, or Australia) can quite literally break the bank when it comes to rent, food, and travel. Soon, students are spending every dime, from groceries to social outings, and are stressed out about money and budgeting is essential.

Solution: Budgeting is key, understanding what the average costs are in your destination will help you to budget for a realistic budget. Education loans are perfect to meet these expenses. Some breathing room they typically offer by covering the fees and living costs. For some more specific information about what it will cost you as an international student to live in the USA, check out our article on The Cost of Living in the USA, which also includes useful comparisons for international students.
The local state supports many universities, and they also have work-study programs for students who work on campus which give them another source of income and at the same time gives them the opportunity to develop relevant skills. If there are students allowed to work part-time while they study, check these local work regulations for students.

4. Adjusting to Life as an Independent Student

For the first time, living independently brings its own set of challenges. This is all overwhelming when you are managing household chores finances, and responsibilities alone. Now, you’re responsible for simple things such as paying bills, cooking meals, or even grocery shopping and they have to be done with time and organization.

Solution: First, create a daily and weekly routine to take care of things, to balance academic and personal responsibilities. Get a hand with budgeting apps to manage your finances, put first things first, and stay away from unnecessary purchases. There are many universities whose resources for students going from student to independent living include time management workshops, budgeting seminars, and even cooking classes.
You can also reach out to other students in similar situations, literally building a network of other students you can advise, grocery shop with, or come together to study. Simple meal prep strategies or planning meals in advance can make the workload lighter as well as reduce your spending. Everyone around you is in the same boat, so lean on each other for support.

5. Understanding Credit Transfer Problems

A study abroad student’s frequent concern regarding credit transfer issues. Different educational systems, curriculums, and grading standards may not fully recognize the credits you earned, and when those credits are not fully recognized at your home institution, this counts toward your leave of absence total. If you’ve really put the work in, this is particularly frustrating if you’ve taken a class and it doesn’t count toward your degree.

Solution: Before enrolling in any program, speak with your academic advisor at your home institution. Research the program’s accreditation status, and make sure that the courses offered in that program are consistent with the requirements at your home university. Choose programs or institutions that have an exchange agreement with your school (which usually already have pre-approved credit transfers). Some or all of what you learn through your study abroad experience may be transferable to your home institution and may need to be reflected in course syllabi, course assignments, and course grading criteria during your stay abroad so that you can provide those to your home institution as part of a credit evaluation process upon your return. Communicating with academic advisors at regular intervals can help to solve and avoid the possibility of transfer problems.

6. Getting Used to Different Foods and Eating Habits

It is hard to adjust to new food and eating habits. Ingredients, flavors, and portion sizes can be strange or downright uncomfortable if you’re used to local cuisines which can vary by ingredients, flavors, and portion sizes. Adapting to a new culture can be stressful, but missing home-cooked food or comfort food can be stressful too.

Solution: Eat new foods and different cuisines without a closed mind, and in time, you will add local flavors to your diet. Look for familiar ingredients for cooking meals you’re used to from home in specialty or international markets. If you do have dietary restrictions, find out what local substitutes are available, or try and find restaurants that will accommodate your needs. You can also get online recipes and tutorials to learn other cooking skills in your local dishes.

7. Managing Stress and Expectations in School

International students are under pressure from academic pressure. Many have high expectations, then you add that you have to adapt to a different academic system, it’s just another layer of stress. This academic rigor, these different teaching styles, and language barriers can all give rise to anxiety, you are struggling to keep up with your assignments and exams.

Solution: First, set your expectations right. When you go to university most university counseling centers will offer academic and mental health resources. Look for workshops that talk about the correct study habits and time management. It is essential to develop a balanced study schedule by not doing it to the point where it catches up with you. Having good nutrition and regular exercise can also help with mental clarity and stress. If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask professors or tutors, most are supportive and understanding of the extra challenges international students have.

8. Staying Safe While Studying in Another Country

When you’re in a new country, safety is very important. If you aren’t familiar with local customs, laws, and high crime areas, you’ll be more vulnerable to theft or misunderstanding. Besides natural hazards, transportation obstacles, or social dynamics that are unlike the culture you came from, there are risks.

Solution: Find out about common risks you will encounter in your destination city or country. Get familiar with the local laws, norms, and culture. Sign up with your country’s embassy so they know you’re around and can help in the event of an emergency. When you get there, try your best to avoid high-crime areas. There are many institutions that have orientations with safety tips for international students so make use of these resources. Always have emergency contacts in your phone, remember local emergency numbers and always carry some form of identification.

Advantages of Studying Abroad

Studying abroad is generally depicted as a rewarding, life-altering experience wherein students get a variety of personal, professional, and educational advantages. Challenges occur along the way into a foreign country, to study but the benefits often out way the challenges. Learning how to study abroad means gaining a world-class education for students and the build-up of invaluable life skills.

1. Quality Education from Top Universities

Access to high-quality education from globally recognized institutions is one of the biggest benefits of studying abroad. Specialized programs and resources available at many top-ranked universities are not often available in a student’s home country. We know these institutions for their high academic standards, innovative research facilities, and diverse faculty — what is ultimately central to creating a unique learning environment that can help elevate the academic experience of a student. If you study at one of these prestigious universities, you can also have an advantage in the job market: employers value the rigorous training and the different ways of thinking that come with an international education. 

2. Enhance Your Language and Communication Skills

Learning a different language abroad is an excellent opportunity to learn and improve a skill. The immersive experience can definitely aid verbal and non-verbal communication skills whether you are studying in a country where English is the main language or not. Students get to be surrounded by native speakers and can pick up nuances, accents, and idioms, they wouldn’t be exposed to in classroom settings back home. This skill set can lead to global career opportunities for students who are already bilingual or multilingual because many employers are seeking candidates who can speak across cultures and languages. Confidence also improves when you have better language skills, because you can talk to people you don’t know, you can make friends, and you can express yourself in a different environment.

3. Explore More Career Opportunities

Going abroad to study opens international job markets and industries to a student. Students can go to career fairs, networking events, internships, and whatever else they need to do to get a taste of the kind of careers they wouldn’t necessarily have available in the country or city that they’re from. In such fields as finance, international business, engineering, or technology, acquiring this exposure can be especially beneficial for students, because exposure to the global is valued so highly. An international internship or part-time job on top of that will help a student to further strengthen your resume with adaptability, cross-cultural communication, and practical experience for potential employers. For more in-depth information on fields of study abroad, read our article Career Opportunities through Study Abroad.

4. Discover New Interests and Career Goals

At times, students in a new country are taken to courses, fields of study, or extracurriculars that they wouldn’t experience otherwise. For example, if they study in a country that puts a premium on sustainability, for example, that student may find a calling for environmental policy, or through experiences with cutting-edge technology, may develop a love of artificial intelligence. Stepping outside the regular academic environment, students often get a different view of where they want to go with their career path and what they want to accomplish in life. Self-discovery can help students narrow their career goals and, in some cases, realign them to a path they hadn’t thought about before.

5. Make Lifelong Friendships

Studying abroad is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding experiences ever, and one of the best things about it is meeting people who will be friends for life from all over the world. Students meet with peers from all over the world and these interactions are often lifelong friendships. These are not only friends who give you emotional support, but these people can also be good contacts in professional networks around the world. It also helps to build these relationships in a cross-cultural context and in the process develop the essential social and empathy skills and more profound appreciation of diversity. For one thing, these friendships can add some spice to travel, with international friends introducing you to their home countries and providing special, meaningful experiences to look forward to on future travels.

6. Grow Personally and Professionally

When you live and study in a foreign country, you receive real-life lessons that you would never guess or imagine, and help you grow both personally and professionally. Students are forced to solve life’s complexities on their own away from familiar support systems including finance management and culture shock. This experience gives students to build those essential skills in life, e.g. adaptability, decision-making, and problem-solving. Not only does studying abroad improve leadership, teamwork, and the sense of cultural competence, which employers are looking for in their candidates, across all industries. That allows students to become more adaptable and resourceful and therefore sets them apart in competitive job markets.

7. Experience a New Country and Travel

Living abroad offers students the chance to explore a new country and get a chance to explore the culture. During their study abroad, many international students use this opportunity to visit neighboring cities and countries to learn about different cultures, landscapes, and histories. This travel experience expands students’ horizons and teaches them a more complete worldview that results in a greater appreciation for diversity. Moreover, students carry with them into the future, a more holistic understanding of global challenges, and a persistence in travel and exploration that will benefit their lives once more.
Beyond the obvious academic enrichment of studying abroad, studying abroad can help unlock personal growth, professional development, and life contacts you’ll never forget. But with these opportunities, students often find they have quite a transformational experience, changing their personal lives as well as their career paths in big ways. If you are interested in studying abroad, find more information, application tips, budgeting advice, and much more in our extensive collection of resources and articles.

FAQ

  1. What are the Common Advantages of Studying Abroad?
    While we all know studying abroad gives us a chance to experience new cultures, exposure to different education systems, and other opportunities, many face the problem of visiting one other country outside their home nation. It basically grows language development and adaptability, but more importantly, it allows for independence. Students participate academically in top-ranked universities, distinctive programs, and cutting-edge teaching methods that are not available at their home institutions. Moreover, studying abroad adds a great boost to resumes, as employers thought it highly beneficial to have cross-cultural experience and communication skills. A broad professional network is created from this international exposure, which can be made worldwide. 
  2. What are the Common Disadvantages of Studying Abroad?
    Homesickness, culture shock, language barriers, and financial strain are a few common disadvantages of studying abroad. You may feel alone when you are far from home, as it is an unfamiliar cultural and social setting. Tuition, living expenses, and travel costs quickly add up to a lot of financial strain. Communication across languages can be problematic in social and academic settings at the same time leaving individuals incapable of taking part and learning. 
  3. How Can I Cope with Homesickness While Studying Abroad?
    To avoid the homesick blues, arrange to talk (at least) regularly with family and friends. A way to do this is by entering a club, or even joining clubs and forming new friendships. It’s also helpful to explore the local culture and to experience what you have not yet been able to experience. A routine (exercise, self-care) and journaling or for studying abroad reflecting on the positive (for example, fun people, adventures, etc). Talking to other international students, you might find someone who has felt what you are feeling, can create a sense of community, and maybe even turn homesickness into a positive experience.
  4. How Can I Overcome Language Barriers in a New Country?
    Language barriers are overcome with skill and practice. Before arrival learn basic phrases and try to speak with locals to get the fluency up. You can also speed along learning with language apps, language courses, or working with a language partner. Mistakes are a part of the learning process and not something to be afraid of, if you need clarification ask for it. Non-verbal communication is made up of observing body language and cultural cues and actively listening can build confidence. 
  5. What Should I Consider When Budgeting for Studying Abroad?
    Tuition, accommodation, daily expenses, travel, and unforeseen (travel-related and other) like health care are things to be considered when budgeting. Find out the cost of living in that destination country including food, traveling, and entertainment. Create a financial plan of fixed costs and allowance for unexpected expenses. Take a look at the scholarships, grants, and part-time work opportunities that can keep things affordable to you. A budgeting app can also help you to see where the money is going and make sure not to overspend. Also, factor in the exchange rates and what is fluctuating.
  6. How Can I Prepare for Emergencies While Studying Abroad?
    Keep your country’s embassy phone numbers nearby, along with important contacts including the emergency numbers in your locality. If you're carrying copies of essential documents, such as your passport, visa, and insurance details, make sure you have copies. You’d need to become familiar with local healthcare facilities and procedures, just in case you need to use anything nearby and have a small emergency fund first. Write down emergency contacts you would have, like family, academic advisors, and the international office at school. With some planning and some resources, you can get through any unprepared situation without getting into trouble.
  7. What Legal Requirements Should I Be Aware of When Studying Abroad?
    Before you start studying abroad you should know what your visa requirements are, including the validity period, work permissions, and renewals. Keep a copy of your identification, passport, and other legal documents with you while traveling. Know the residency registration requirements, tax obligations, and what local rules say about student behavior. Knowing these legal things helps ensure that students can concentrate on their academics and exploration, and not have legal concerns.