Busted! 5 myths about studying abroad

Research appropriately and gather as much information as possible before you plan to take up a course abroad. Read on to find out why

Nothing is more desolate than a dream shattered into a million pieces.

Just like a dream, which breaks as one wakes up, the dream of studying overseas can break due to simple myths.

Imagine the predicament of a student whose dreams shatter because of common myths that do the rounds.

In the pages to follow, we take you through an array of myths international students fall victim to.

Courtesy:Univariety.com

Please click NEXT to continue reading...

Myth 1. Studying abroad is expensive

One of the most common myths that demoralises a student is the affordability factor.

Education abroad is not as expensive as we think it to be.

In fact, it can sometimes (and in most cases) cost similar or even less than what students pay to study at their national university; there is an assortment of scholarships, financial aids and loans available exclusively for students.

When students plan ahead, it becomes easier to take the correct decision on how to approach a university or college abroad. 

Myth 2. The education system is universal

Also, students in India are under the misconception that every country apart from India has a similar education system.

During a seminar, a class 12 student who wanted to pursue Psychology was asked "So, have you decided where you want to study Psychology, Oxford or Cambridge", to which she naively answered "Aren't all programmes alike? I only need to select my favourite university, right!"

Sadly, this reflects the present outlook about overseas education among Indian students.

Myth 3. I should first decide which country/university I want to go to.

Another common answer we get from students when asked about their study abroad plans is "it depends".

What your plans depend on is obscure because in most cases, students say that they are not sure about the course or country they'd like to pursue their studies from.

Rather, what students need to understand here is that the choice of country or university depends on his/her interest and aptitude.

Before you make any further plans, one has to be really sure about the choice of course s/he is going to opt for.

Myth 4. Studying abroad is not for me.

A pre-conceptualised notion of "It's difficult to get accepted"and "Study abroad is not for everyone!" is also a common belief that students harbour.

Their notion is that only the bright ones or the ones from affluent backgrounds go abroad to pursue higher education.

Little do they know that most students who meet the minimum requirements and complete the application process are acknowledged to study overseas!

Universities like to increase their overseas student population with each passing year, so this gives a fighting chance to every student who has applied. 

Myth 5. Studying abroad is a waste of time.

Most parents often worry that if sent abroad, their child would not pay attention to studies and instead waste time with his/her friends.

What they do not know is that attendance is a key factor taken into account by universities when granting course completion certificates.

It works on a simple philosophy -- complete the programme with sincerity or pack your bags and leave.

Students also go abroad with the perception of meeting people and experiencing the world. 

For such students, here is an important piece of information -- universities grant academic credit towards the degree, and not on their travel itinerary.

Also travelling in a different country is not as cheap as one might think it to be.

So students, if rise and shine is your ultimate motto in life, then break the shackles of ignorance before you hop on to the plane....say get, set and go.