Tips for those who are still deliberating their decision to study abroad

Are you still not sure whether to study abroad or not? Ask yourself these questions and the answers will be enough to convince you to stick to your decision.

We have said this several times, and we understand it very well – deciding to study abroad is not easy. You look into the endless possibilities, and you wonder if you can really do it. You think about all of the challenges you might face, and for a moment you feel guilty about harbouring this dream. But do you know what makes it all worth it? when you are finally in your dream destination, and you are experiencing the best times of your life despite any challenges that you might face, it will all make sense.

If it is that you find it difficult to stick to your decision and find yourself going back and forth, maybe what you need is a bit of a reinforcement telling you that you are on the right track, making the right decisions. So, here’s our take on how to overcome the hesitation to study abroad.

Ask yourself these questions and remind yourself of the answers, every time your mind starts doubting your determination.

Will I ever know until I try?

Is there a way to know how the whole experience would turn out to be? How would you know how exciting, challenging and thrilling the whole thing would be? How are you sure it will be a struggle that you cannot cope with before even trying? The answer to these questions is in giving it a try, living it and seeing it for yourself. Sometime in the future, you will be thankful to you for making challenging decisions, no matter the outcome. Remember that a ship that stays in the harbour goes nowhere.

What will my future self say?

One of the best ways to cope with the trepidation and apprehensions is to ask this question. Think of what your future self would say in both situations. Years later, will you be satisfied knowing you forwent a dream which you held so close to your heart? Will you feel okay for not taking that risk?

Remember, things that seem like struggles and fears now might seem to be negligible years later.

Many before me have done this. So why can’t I?

Look for stats on relevant sites. Understand that a large number of students from all parts of the country are moving to destinations abroad for their higher studies and also for settling in foreign countries. These are not people who are all well-off in life and have a huge bank balance. They are not all people who have friends and family in these foreign countries or a backup plan. When you read about student experiences and situations, you’ll realise more and more that you are not really alone in terms of your circumstances or struggles.

What are my worries? Do they have solutions?

The important thing is to recognize exactly what your fears about studying abroad are. Is it the (money) expenses? Or is it your health and wellbeing? Is it the (time) commitments that you might have to make? Or is it that your parents will worry about you? Each of these can be a cause of concern. The best way to handle it is to focus on one fear at a time, write it down and then find a solution for it. This will help you get clarity and overcome whatever is bothering you.

If the expenses are your concern, research how other people are doing it. Check if there are any options for you to study abroad with less money. (Yes, there are! Some of them are easy to find and some aren't, but it's definitely worth looking into them. Hint: Scholarships to manage your tuition fee) Check with study abroad experts on how to handle the finances.

If the (time) commitments are your concern, talk to experts about your options and the things that you can do to make it work.

The same steps will help you find solutions for your worries about your health and wellbeing.

If you are worried about leaving behind your friends and family – well, you just have to prepare yourself. Missing home is inevitable. But does that mean you’ll stick to your home and current friends forever? In this era of technological boom, it won't be difficult to stay in touch with your folks. Also, think of the inexplicable joy of coming back to your loved ones after staying away for long!

The language barrier might be an issue for many. Remember: Practice makes perfect. You will learn the nuances of the language with experience. The necessities will teach you. If you want to be prepared well ahead, try practicing, testing yourself and learning online. Watching English movies, series or TV shows will also help you get better at developing your language skills.

Also, remember – English language is a tool for you to get better at your studies and career. It is not an indication of your intelligence or skillset.

What was my motivation to study abroad?

Go back to the very first time you thought of studying abroad. What was the motivation behind it? Was it about the quality of education or the holistic experience? Did you see it as an opportunity for personal growth and independence?

What about this motivation has changed now? If nothing has changed, you should perhaps continue pursuing your dream of studying abroad.

What were the benefits of studying abroad that stood out to me?

There are umpteen number of contents out there that tell you what the benefits of studying abroad are. There might be even more content that tells you why you should continue studying in India instead. Take a look at both and analyse them. Are you convinced that you should study in your home country? Or does it feel like a compromise you are making?

When else if not now?

Do you think you’ll have the opportunity to study abroad in the future? Are you sure about it? Is it your procrastination that is holding you back? What if your best chance is now? If you don’t have a clear answer to when else, if not now, then you should actually pursue the dream of studying abroad, now.

Hope these questions will serve as tips to overcome fears of studying abroad. Whatever decision you make, remember that you are a result of the choices you make. And it is never late to make the right choices. 😉