Every year thousands and thousands of people leave the comforts of their homes to study abroad. Many feel that studying abroad gives them a kind of prestige in their home country.  It may even lead to a better job.  And quite a few people want to study abroad for the pure pleasure and excitement it brings. But living and studying in another country can also have its problems. You should be aware of what you are getting into before you start packing your bags.

Disadvantages of Studying Abroad

Studying abroad does not mean you will learn their language magically- Many people think that they just need to live in another country and they will learn the local language.  This is not completely true.  You still need to pay attention and study.  There are people who live in foreign countries for many, many years without knowing the language well.  However, it will probably come to you easier and faster than if you just studied the language in your home country.
Studying abroad can be hard- You will probably have times when you miss your family, friends, food, and everything familiar.  Almost everyone goes through some culture shock.  You will have to realize and accept that it will take some time to adjust to a new way of living.

Studying abroad can be expensive- There is no doubt that it takes money to study abroad.  It can vary from kind of expensive to very expensive.  Most places don’t allow international students to work.  You will have to have the money before you arrive in the country or have someone from home support you.  Check out this aspect thoroughly before you venture out. 

Advantages of Studying Abroad

Easy to learn the global language (English).  Yes, you need to pay attention and do some studying, but everything comes faster when you do because English is everywhere- on the streets, in the stores, on the TV- you can’t get away from it.
Your eyes are opened to the world.  We grow up tuned to our way of doing things in our own sweet world, oblivious of the world outside.  But staying in a new culture helps us realize new and different ways of life, and also helps us to see that even though we are different, we are all human.  We also have the advantage of experiencing a global culture which broadens our vision, tolerance and acceptance level.

You learn to take care of yourself.  Living in another country, even if it is with a host family, means you might be doing things you may not have done in your home country.  These include cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, washing clothes, figuring out transportation, making living arrangements, setting up accounts for cell phones and utilities, etc.  You may think of this as a disadvantage, but many international students go home proud that they have become very self sufficient.
Your life will be forever changed.  One of the greatest things that happens when you do something as big as live in another country is- you become a changed person-  your outlook on life changes.  Your new maturity can help you become a better person.
You make memories that will last a lifetime.  Your pictures, journals, and souvenirs will help you remember your time abroad, but your memories and emotions of this special time will also be a part of your life until you are very old.

So how can you know if studying abroad is right for you?  First, start by talking to people who have already done it. You will gain from their experiences.  You can also check out the internet for detailed information.

Take a look at websites like www.StudyAbroad.com and www.HyperStudy.com to search for schools and get advice on where to go.

Is studying abroad an expensive affair?

A myth surviving since a long time .But ironically, it may actually be cheaper to study abroad than it is our own country! Studying abroad need not be financially expensive. Attending a study abroad program is not necessarily anymore expensive than staying at your current university, and in some cases you may actually save money by studying abroad.

You have to persistently work for Scholarships and Financial Aid. Many students fail to pursue scholarships because they believe scholarship competition is so fierce that only the most exceptional students receive awards. The truth is you do not have to be a super student to win scholarships.
You must be willing to spend time and effort to check out the various financial resources. While the universities and colleges offer financial aid to international students in the form of awards, teaching and research assistantships and tuition waivers, there are other agencies and institutions that offer financial help too.
This could be in the form of loans, loan scholarships or gift scholarships. Many prestigious institutions offer grants and aid to deserving students. The trick is to start early, as the aid available is both limited and competitive. Some of the college costs that should figure in your budget planning are the tuition fees, books and study materials, living expenses, health insurance and clothing to name a few. Most students don’t realize that the use of financial aid and scholarships can make study abroad more affordable

Studying abroad can really change your life.  And hopefully if you decide to do it, it will be a wonderful experience for you.