Studying Abroad: Expectations vs. Reality
Without any doubt, choosing the right university and degree is one of the most crucial moments in every student's life. After all, your entire future depends on what you decide to do during this period. We have observed a multitude of trends when it comes to education, and studying abroad is one of them. The concept is highly fantasized for various reasons and rightfully so. Every individual leaves their home country with a set of expectations about the new journey. Here are a few expectations that everyone has in mind when it comes to studying abroad.
Expectation 1: Getting the paperwork done will be tough
Numerous students believe that applying overseas is a difficult job, and it is hard to get through it. This applies more to all the paperwork and documentation involved. Yes, no doubt, the entire process is cumbersome, but this is the 21st century, where it is easy to get things done. Students now have access to counselors and educational consultancies that have adequate knowledge and experience of applying to the universities abroad and assist several students with paperwork. Hence, whether you wish to study in Canada or any other part of the world, you can easily complete the paperwork by consulting experienced counselors.
Expectation 2: Passing semesters will be difficult
Often people have a notion that passing semesters in an international degree is somewhat impossible. It is essential to look at this world through practicality. Getting a degree anywhere in the world is not a piece of cake, but it is not impossible either. You can easily ace the semesters by maintaining consistency and hard work. Also, you will be surrounded by multiple foreign and local individuals who are always there to help you out with the process. In addition to this, you will come across a bunch of cooperative instructors who make sure your studying well.
Expectation 3: Language barriers will slow down the adjustment process
Learning a new language and developing an excellent level of fluency is difficult, and there is no denying the fact. However, time is the best thing that can happen in this situation. As the days pass by, you will start understanding every bit of the new language. Also, keep in mind, mastering a new language is a slow process, so don't rush into it because eventually, everything will fall into place anyway. The key is to interact with more people, especially natives, and ask questions wherever and whenever needed, while you talk to them. This way, you will end up developing a better grip on the language.
Expectation 4: The days will revolve around assignments and presentations
I remember that one of my friends was worried when going abroad. Her tension was concerned with submitting a lot of assignments and getting a degree. She excuses me that she would not be able to stay connected due to busy routines.
But after six months, she contacted me, and we talked a lot. Then I noticed that she used to text me daily and talked 2 to 3 times a week. I asked her about her studies and thesis submissions. She gave me a mind-blowing response.
The first responsibility of a learner is to balance the academic and social life. In the beginning, this is a tough job for everyone, but gradually, it seems manageable.
Moreover, most of the students possess negative thoughts about studying abroad. They never assume that they would get some sincere friends who encourage foreigners, advise them the alternative approaches, and enjoy life with friends group.
Expectation 5: Managing work and personal life simultaneously will be challenging
The thought of managing cooking, laundry and other household chores along with studies scare everyone going to abroad. It is crucial to realize that all things in life are controllable. With time, you will learn to take everything together. You should try developing a routine according to your class timings and workload. Assign a certain percentage of your day to work and household jobs. Also, you can refer to platforms like Academist Help to help you out with studies and relieve your burden a bit. You just need to stay calm and composed to get through everything.
Expectation 6: Making new friends will be difficult
Initially, you will make plenty of new friends from your own community, and over time the number of friends will increase. As the days would pass by, your social network would expand to the extent that you will have friends from different nationalities, and this is by far one of the most exciting parts of studying abroad. However, don’t hesitate to strike a conversation with new people as communication is the key to maintaining a great social circle.
Expectation 7: Living alone will be depressing
Having an active social life back home forces you to think that living alone in a new country can be upsetting. The concern is not wrong, but it is far from reality. Students getting an international graduate degree are busy with work and other aspects of expat life that they do not have enough time to get upset over stuff. However, being a human, there will be days where you might feel things are not going as per your expectations, but remember that your friends and family are always a call away. All thanks to social media platforms and cell phones. Also, there are so many activities for the students which you can join to utilize your time.
Adjustment Tips for Studying Abroad
Settling abroad has a lot to do with your coping mechanisms and how well you manage things. The list below has all the tips which will help you adjust to the new environment and lead a peaceful life in a new country.
- Ask questions from your peers wherever and whenever needed, as this will help you in getting clarity.
- Maintain a positive attitude not to let any situation affect your mind’s functioning. This is important because it leaves an impact on your studies as well.
- Use your free time to interact with new people and get to know about their likes and dislikes.
- Take a break and talk to your friends and family back home when stressed out.
- Try working on building a routine for the peace of your mind. Having a proper routine is necessary because it gives clarity of thought.
- Keep reminding yourself that the adjustment period will be over soon, and so will the challenges that come with it.
- Remind yourself about the positive outcome of the program. For example, employment opportunities, career growth, etc.
- Find and consult reliable and experienced dissertation writing services to ease your workload.
Although settling abroad for pursuing education seems challenging to a large number of people, it is undoubtedly rewarding. To date, countless degree holders from credible universities abroad have managed to secure top-level positions in the leading companies around the world. The key is to work hard and stay on the right track so that you don’t lose focus. Your determination will power, and flair will take you places once you set your mind to it.