If you too wanted to study abroad for higher studies, at a prestigious college, and be welcomed at home the Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham way. We aren’t assuring you that grandeur and drama, but the rest isn’t impossible.
Most often, the cost of studying abroad holds students back from chasing their dreams. What if we tell you that you can actually study abroad for free? Apart from the cost factor, there are a few more false ideas around studying abroad that discourage students from enrolling in institutions abroad. Here we are discussing a few myths that must be cracked down on.
Common Myths Around Studying Abroad and Their Realities
Lack of proper information is often the reason why, despite having some of the best universities to study abroad, students don’t pursue overseas education. Here we talk about some of them and also mention facts dispelling the false narratives.
Myth: Studying Abroad is Insanely Expensive
Fact: There are a good number of universities across Europe and other continents
A major part of the cost of studying abroad is the tuition fees. While it is true that abroad education is relatively costlier but several factors balance them well. Many universities across Europe and Asia don’t charge tuition fees from international students; those are the public universities. When tuition fees are waived, it significantly brings down the cost of study abroad programs. Besides this, grants and scholarships also offer adequate financial support and encourage students to pursue abroad education. However, it must be noted that students have to meet a certain criterion to be eligible to study at those universities.
Myth: There are fully free universities
Fact: Only the tuition fees are waived off for international students, not all costs overheads
Different public universities across Europe and Asia do not charge tuition fees from their international students. However, this does not mean that the programs are entirely free. Also, the student needs to pass certain eligibility criteria to have his or her tuition fees waived. In some universities, tuition fees are waived only for EU/EEA citizens, studying certain listed subjects and in certain languages. Non-EU students get some free slots under strict eligibility criteria. You may take the help of reputed study abroad consultants to try for those slots. Besides tuition fees, candidates need to pay the semester fees or registration fees, and bear the costs of living that include accommodation, food, regular transportation, books, health insurance, and other costs.
Myth: Scholarships cover everything
Fact: No scholarship covers everything; there are partial scholarships as well
It’s a very common and persistent myth, but the fact is that there are different types of scholarship – fully-funded and partial; even fully-funded scholarships don’t cover every cost head. The candidates need to pass certain eligibility criteria to avail a scholarship, but with a cap on the amount. In other cases, a scholarship may exclude certain costs. On the other hand, for partial scholarships, a part of the tuition fee may be waived, or cover accommodation, textbooks, or travel costs only, but the student would have to bear the expenses such as regular transportation, visa fees, flight tickets, and other costs.
Myth: Free programs are easy to get into
Fact: “Free” programs are usually assumed to be easy to get into, but actually are one of the most competitive ones.
When a study abroad institute offers a “free program,” they seek exceptional academic performance, proficiency in a certain language, standard test scores, and even require essays and edgy interviews to pass their eligibility criteria, especially for non-EU students. If you are a non-EU student and trying to enrol in a public university, then you must prepare well to meet such criteria. If you are keen to study overseas, then it will be a wise idea to take the help of a study abroad consultant or a similar agency for the much-needed help, especially for the right guidance and assistance.
Myth: You must be fluent in a foreign language
Fact: Most of the universities offer courses in English
When you move abroad for higher education and you don’t know the local language, it could be a concern. However, that won’t be a limitation for pursuing your studies. Owing to the swelling number of international students and to accommodate them, universities across the globe are offering courses in English. So, not knowing the local language of the destination you would be travelling to for your higher studies is no longer a disadvantage. It is not mandatory to know the local language.
Myth: Studying abroad is only for young students
Fact: It’s never too late to pursue higher study abroad
Being in your late teens and early 20s could be an advantage, but being in your 30s or even 40s or 50s isn’t a disadvantage either. There isn’t any official upper age limit for enrolling in higher education programs for studying in any university abroad. Adult students or learners often take career breaks to upgrade their academic qualifications or adjust to life changes. Universities across Europe and other regions value diversity and encourage them to pursue courses of their choice. They often offer scholarships and other flexible options to encourage their aspirations.
Myth: You will be separated from your support system
Fact: Most of the universities have international student offices, resident advisors, peer mentors, and other support systems to help international students deal with this challenge.
Insecurities are pretty common when one is away from home. They don’t just miss familiar faces and the warmth of their loved ones, but their support system, especially when they land in an unfamiliar land, amid a different culture and other living conditions. Most of the universities with a regular enrolment of foreign students are well aware of this challenge, and so they have a dedicated network of approved professionals to help them settle in. Besides international student offices, peer mentors, and residential advisors, they conduct orientation programs where they are housed with fellow international students, included in different social groups and events, and coordinated for health, academic, and emotional support. Thus, they are supported by a meaningful system to adjust to the social and cultural jerk.
When you look beyond the myths, you can discover a dynamic world of opportunities that is synchronized with your goals. The possibilities are more than the limitations. We hope you save this piece or share it with your friends or dear ones who may need to know these. Universities across the world have designed courses and built programs to cater to international students as well. So, if you have chosen to master abroad, let nothing stop you.