Moving to study abroad is an important and responsible step that can be difficult to take. Preparing for a new life in another country, most students feel anxiety and apprehension. This is not surprising, because it is hard to think of everything and be sure of your own choice in advance.
We decided to debunk the most common fears that can prevent you from going to study abroad. How to cope with them? What is behind these fears, and why are they often unfounded?
#1. It will be difficult for me to adapt in a new environment
After you move to study abroad, literally everything in your life will change. Every student’s adjustment process is different. If you are a high school graduate who has lived your whole life in a familiar environment, the transition can be difficult. It can be managed through proper mental attitude and gradual adaptation.
What to do?
First, you should perceive the move as a new stage of life. In any case, you are unlikely to live your whole life without change. Sometimes it is even better when they happen in early youth, when you have a lot of strength, you are open to everything new and can rely on the support of loved ones.
Secondly, try to give yourself time to get used to everything new. If possible, visit the country of study in advance, sign up for preparatory language or academic courses at the university. This will give you a chance to gradually get used to the other country, university life, and culture, avoiding an immediate immersion in a new environment.
#2. I won’t be able to make new friends
No matter what country in the world you find yourself in, remember that all international students who come here to study are in the same situation as you. Everyone needs to socialize, everyone wants to find new friends and company. It makes it easy to get to know each other quickly and make new friendships among students.
What to do?
Many foreign universities are international, so you can find new acquaintances not only among compatriots, but also among foreigners. International institutions hold orientation weeks, international nights, all sorts of events and parties for international students who want to get to know the university and make friends. By the way, if you want to meet new friends, you should prefer to live on campus rather than off it.
Living in the student residence allows you to keep in touch with everything that goes on in the university and encourage you to make new friends. Most importantly, don’t be shy about socializing!
#3. The university/country of study will not meet my expectations
This can indeed happen, but even in such a situation there is nothing scary or fatal. You might have some disappointments along the way to the life you dream of, and it’s best to take it philosophically and remember that it’s never too late to change things.
What to do?
You can minimize the risk of disappointment if your choices are truly measured and informed. Find out as much as you can about the country and university of your choice in advance, read alumni reviews, talk to students and staff, and visit the school you wish to attend in person. You might also want to take a pre-degree program at the university you choose. The more personalized your view, the less likely you are to be disappointed in your choice.
Whichever university you choose, you will need to write an introductory essay. Prepare carefully for this job if you don’t want to miss your chance to study at a dream college. Companies that provide admission essay writing service can help in this matter.
#4. It will be extremely difficult to overcome the language barrier
To get into a foreign university, you will have to take a language exam anyway. This means that every student enrolled in a foreign university has a fairly high level of language proficiency. Difficulties may arise only in communication or in the process of studying in a foreign language, but they are easy enough to overcome.
What to do?
Before going abroad, pay as much attention as possible to live communication in a foreign language. Make some foreign friends, Skype, or take a language course abroad. This will help you get into a foreign language environment quicker or easier.
If you have difficulty directly in learning a foreign language, the university can help you. Many universities offer special programs of academic English or another language for foreigners, which you can take along with the main curriculum or before it.
#5. A foreign degree does not guarantee me a job abroad anyway
This is indeed true. Getting a foreign degree is not a guarantee of either further residence or further employment abroad. Everything depends on you.
What to do?
Most foreign universities help students who dream of working abroad after graduation. With university support, students can gain work experience, visit other countries, complete internships and practicums, meet potential employers, and more. In addition, universities teach students how to write a competent resume and interview, which also contributes to successful employment. What’s more, you can turn to the experts at online student assistance service for writing a compelling resume. Authors from such companies are ready to help with any kind of writing, including resumes and cover letters.
Remember that schools value their reputations and are interested in the success of their graduates. If you are already in the process of studying you take the maximum from your university, the employment abroad is almost guaranteed. From gaining work experience to preparing for employment and finding the right jobs, students who want to work abroad can get all the help they need. The key is to have a clear goal.
#6. If at some point the tuition becomes unaffordable, will I have to drop everything?
Although this problem is solvable, you are still advised to choose a university and a program of study that best matches your financial capabilities. Institutions offer financial aid for their students, but recommend that students rely solely on their own resources to pay for education (students should always have money for their studies, in case they do not receive scholarships). Moreover, for admission to many universities you need to show proof of funds to pay your tuition.
We don’t want to scare you, however. If your financial situation deteriorates significantly during the course of your studies, you may still be able to continue your education.
What to do?
First, choose an institution with a tuition that you can afford. Keep in mind that in some institutions the cost of education increases with each academic year. It is worth calculating in advance and getting complete information from university representatives about the cost of education. Do not forget to take into account your future living expenses, meals, and other costs.
Do not hide your financial situation from the university. It is a good idea to apply for a scholarship or grant. Many scholarships are given throughout the academic year on the condition that you do well enough, so that you are not in danger of losing your financial security if you get into trouble.
In many countries special scholarships and grants are also available to international students based on financial need. To receive a scholarship, you will need to write an essay. If you doubt your abilities, then you can pay for college essay cheap. That is, for a moderate payment you will get a quality paper that can claim success.
Remember that foreign universities are interested in talented students with high potential and academic performance and they are always ready to help them. Therefore, the better you study and the more active you are in expressing your talents, the better your chances of receiving financial support.
