FREE Advice

Disadvantages of Studying Abroad Every Student Must Know

I have always discussed the brighter side of studying abroad like why you should study abroad, how fun it is and all the advantages in this experience. Since our job is to promote foreign education, we as well prepare our readers for what is to come and how to face it if they choose this path.

I always say that studying in a foreign country is a big once in a lifetime experience that requires a great deal of effort, resources and determination. While there are countless advantages of this, on the other hand, you also have make several sacrifices. In today’s article, I will be discussing all the problems and disadvantages of studying abroad.


You Lose a Year:

A lot of students usually lose a whole year when they go abroad for education. Most universities open admission twice a year. However, by the time you complete the degree or educational year in your own country and then collect requirements you lose a lot of time. Since most countries also require you have IELTS certification, you also need to prepare for it and pass the test. Then you must have your result of last degree then a passport. In all this hustle student’s usually lose at least a half or a whole year.


You are Alone:

After moving abroad, your starting months can be sadistic. Since, you won’t have your family and friends there, you will often feel lonely. There are times of happiness, sadness and depression where you need people to share it with. Not finding them around can be hurtful. You will eventually make friends. But it will take time and there is no guarantee that you will hit it off with them as best friends are not made, they just become friends.


Hard to Communicate:

It can be pretty difficult to contact with others in a foreign country. If it is a Non-English country then it will definitely be a problem. Other foreigners who speak English won’t necessarily have same level of communication skills in English. You will communicate with them it won’t necessarily be very lenient either. Even in English countries, it is tough to pick the same pace and accent as the natives. So, you might feel a little left out in society and social groups.


Low Self-Esteem:

You are most probably not a genius and even if you are, you will find a lot of competition in your class. Current standard of education in your country is different from where you are going to study abroad. Having entirely different mindsets and brains around you can put you in Inferiority Complex. You might feel a little low of yourself when you will see other communicating effectively and learning more than you. Language barrier here can be the chief factor for this problem.


Food is Always an Issue:

Getting used to the new type of food is not very easy. Humans usually only like the food they have been eating from their childhood. For example, it is still very difficult for me to eat Chinese. I was born and brought in the city of Lahore and if there are spices in the food (of course, other than sweets), I feel like I haven’t eaten anything. A major problem for Muslims in this case can be finding Halal food. You can’t just eat anything they make in mess and you just can’t eat or drink everything your social group does. We have to make sure there is nothing Haram in everything you eat or drink. This really is a problem. If you can cook at home, it will be really helpful for you though.


Everything is Expensive for You:

Being a foreigner and particularly coming from a developing country to a developed country where currency a lot stronger than yours, everything will be expensive for you. A shirt that you buy in your country for 500 rupees will cost probably cost around 5000 rupees there. One time lunch that cost you around 50 to 100 rupees in your country can cost you about 1000 to 5000 depending on the country. In short, you have think every time you are about to spend even on little things. Basically, you are going to be a poor person always saving money unless you have a strong family background.


May Have to Buy Health Insurance:

A lot countries require you a buy a Health Insurance while staying in there. Even if you already have one in your own country, you will still have to pay for a new one during your stay abroad. Usually health insurance is brought for a whole year. This puts an extra burden on your pocket.


You are too Busy:

Most of the students who are studying in a foreign country are also doing some sort of part time job to cover their expenses. We think that it is all going to be fun like we are some tourists but it is not like that. You are going for education and universities will educate you in a proper way with continuous assignments, quizzes, presentations, projects and exams. It is not easy deal with but additionally to manage a job with that makes it more difficult. We think we will hang out with friends and visit places but that will be only possible when you have time for that. Still, I am studying and doing freelancing job and I am always having as much fun as my other friends with no jobs.


Difficult to Be With Family:

A cousin of my friends went to Finland about 3 years ago and he didn’t get a chance to come back to his family. He want to but he can’t. Reason is the cost. You are aware how much it costs to make double side trip to a foreign country. In addition, he has problems getting off from his job. I think you got my point here.


After Completing the Degree:

Once you get used to foreign culture and lifestyle, it can difficult to again blend in your own society. Most study abroad destinations are developed countries and have a high and better lifestyle. We, from developing countries, start to dislike our own country after living abroad.


 
 

By Usama Ahmed Awan

The Editor of StudyAbroad.pk, Usama is a BZU studied Software Engineer, now  a Teacher, Article Writer, Educational Counselor and Journalist. He has been  writing to assist students selecting the right career path.

 

  • Text
  • Image
  • Video
X

FREE STUDY ABROAD

Free study abroad expert advice

X

Sign in

to continue to StudyAbroad.pk

X

Forgot Password

to continue to StudyAbroad.pk

X

Register Type

Please Provide following information to Register

  • Student
  • College/University
  • Consultant
X

Ask a qusetion from a expert

Please Provide maximum information so that the best advice can be given