What it's really Like to Study Abroad? Expectations v/s Reality |
Posted: April 17, 2018 |
Study abroad brings with it a vast array of expectations about the international study experience. It is quite natural to be overwhelmed with information, advice, dos and don’ts that may inevitably lead to much clutter with little substance of any lasting value. As we can clearly understand the fact that with the wrong map, we’ll be lost twice as fast, so it is highly imperative that we set realistic expectations for the event. We have come up with our side of the experience and dispel much of the expectations borne out of irrational impulses and misguided information sharing. Expectation: Lifestyle will include daily sightseeing, party, and fun Reality: Most of the daytime will be spent attending classes, revising topics, preparing assignments and by the time you reach your room, you will be very exhausted. In addition to it, you may have to face some serious budget constraints and may also be inclined to work part-time for managing your expenses. It can reasonably be concluded that not every moment will be fun. But then you aren’t going for it either, are you? Expectation: While abroad, I’ll travel the entire state or the country Reality: You won’t have enough time to visit many places except for during the initial few weeks and during vacations. Take a case in point, have you really been to all the places in your very own city. Most of us aren’t able to cover the entire city we live in. Then, how can we be so sure that within 2 – 3 years we’ll possibly cover most of the places of the host country. The reality, however, is that the 2 years of learning will get over very soon. Time will be running so fast amidst constant challenge and chaos that you will have to plan your schedule well in advance and act accordingly. It will be very difficult to strike the right balance in study, enjoyment, and management of expenses. Any fun in terms of travel will surely be compromised with real learning. Time management will be the real key to have the best of both worlds. Expectation: I am going to make lots of international friends without much difficulty Reality: The initial acquaintances will be those with whom you’ll share a common geography and ethnical background. Moreover, making tons of international friends demands a highly evolved skill set in human relations and most of us aren’t well equipped with effective communication. So, chances are that seldom friends you will make during the initial 2 – 3 weeks will be the only few friends you will have to live with during the entire course duration. It is naïve to think of making new friends every single semester. Expectation: I am going to earn a six-figure income right from the start Reality: Nothing could be further from the truth. Though there are examples of fabulous fortunes among students who have been immensely successful in their careers, exception should not be taken as a generalization. Your single most important objective should be to learn as much as you can. How much you will grow in your career will be determined by your college performance, your professional networking, and the economy. Professional networking is significantly different from making friends, there’s a high degree of opportunity cost involved in choosing one of the two. Where making new friends may add on to your happiness quotient, it is professional networking through part-time assignments and talking to seniors and attending company visits that will determine your career success. Expectation: I WILL STAY THE SAME Reality: By the time you finish your study from abroad, you will have changed radically. There will be prominent changes in your behaviour, physique, and attitude towards life. You will not be intimidated by minor setbacks and possibly also realize that there are solutions to every challenge under the sun. You may come to the realization that after all, it is resourcefulness that really matters and as long as you are able to attract the right resource at the right time to get your work done, there’s virtually nothing to worry much about. This is also the single most important learning you’ll gain by pursuing an international degree.
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