Studying Abroad: Expectations vs Reality

Neighbours, Legally Blonde, 22 Jump Street, The Social Network, and so many more! Hundreds of mainstream films try to show us what college life is like. Unsurprisingly, however, this is yet another example of how mainstream media sets up unrealistic expectations for real life. If you’re starting out your college life soon and want some real insight into what it's going to be like, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve broken down some of the most common study abroad expectations and given them a reality check.

Making Friends

College is all about the people you meet! From your classmates to your professors, you’re going to meet a range of new people from all walks of life - but what’s it really like? Let’s dive into some studying abroad expectations vs reality for making friends.

Expectations 

When you dream of college, you probably picture yourself walking to class, saying hi to everyone you meet, high-fiving your classmates as you pass them by. You think you’re going to find the perfect college roommate - the Joey to your Chandler - and you and your friends are going to be the “it” group on campus. 

Reality 

The reality of studying abroad is that you likely won't find your people right away. Making new friends is a slow and long process, but often worth the wait. It's true that you’ll meet a whole range of new people while studying abroad but probably won’t click with most of them. You may also not love your roommate at first, but there are many things you can try to make living with a foreign roommate easier. 

Be patient and as time goes on, your social network will grow to the point that you will have friends from all over the world, which is by far one of the most exciting aspects of studying abroad. However, don't be afraid to strike up a discussion with strangers, as communication is essential for sustaining a strong social circle. Read our blog for more tips on how to make friends in college! 

Being in a new city 

Studying abroad in a foreign city brings with it an unmatched level of wonder and excitement. This is something you’ve been dreaming about and preparing for at least half a year, so understanding the studying abroad expectations vs reality moments that students experience may help you better manage your expectations. 

Expectations 

New city, new me! Some common study abroad expectations students have include believing that being in a new city and new country means that college life will be like a vacation filled with endless possibilities of travelling and exploring. 

Reality 

The reality of studying abroad, however, is that while a new city can be exciting, having to live in a new city is very different from being on vacation. If you believe you would be travelling between cities and states, allow us to give you a better understanding of what college is like. 

When you travel to study abroad, you will need to focus on your studies, and the reality of studying abroad, is that you won’t get too much time off. College does provide you with several opportunities to visit different places. Participating in student exchange programs or taking short-term courses in different cities is a great way for you to travel around the world while at college. 

Managing your studies

The part that movies and TV shows just seem to forget about, the thing that you actually went to college for - what was that again? Ah, yes - your education. The conversation around being a student revolves around managing the culture shock of studying abroad, but we don’t often remember to talk about the actual work. Let’s dive into some common study abroad expectations about managing your coursework. 

Expectations 

There is a couple of different and contrasting study abroad expectations students have. Some believe that the style of teaching and culture shock of studying abroad will be too much for them, and they won’t be able to handle college. Others believe college life will be a breeze, and they’ll need to put in little to no effort. But what’s the reality of the situation?

Reality 

The reality of studying abroad is that classes and coursework take up the bulk of your time, and it isn’t always smooth sailing. It takes a while to get used to a new learning environment and new style of teaching, so getting the hang of things takes time. Your first semester may be a little tough, but after that, you should get the hang of things in no time. When exam season comes around, make sure you’re well prepared and well rested, and you should do fine! If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your coursework, there are a number of things you can try to deal with exam stress. 

Language barriers

Você é incrivelmente ingênuo! You probably have no idea what you just read unless you're fluent in Portuguese. As an international student, dealing with language barriers is often a concern when you’re in a new country, but sometimes that's part of the charm of a new city. 

Expectations 

If you’re studying in a new country where you aren't too familiar with the language, one of the most common study abroad expectations is that you’ll return home fluent in a new language and will be talking like the locals in no time. 

Reality 

The reality of studying abroad in a new country is that learning a language is much harder than it seems. It takes a lot of effort on your part to become fluent in a second language. You need to immerse yourself into the culture, speak the language whenever you can and make friends with the locals so you can practice. There will always be people around you to help, but it can be frustrating not to speak the language. You need to remember to be patient and understand that your fluency will build over time. 

Money management

Perhaps the biggest adjustment students need to make during university is learning how to manage their finances efficiently. Budgeting and paying bills is a lot to get used to as a young adult, but there are many helpful resources for you to tap into to learn how to better manage your finances. 

Expectations 

One of the most common study abroad expectations when it comes to money is that you’re going to be a broke uni kid, living off cup ramen, walking to classes, picking up part-time jobs and cooking at home to save money. You think you’re going to have little to no extra income to spend on going out, shopping or attending fun events. 

Reality 

Unfortunately the reality of studying abroad is rather similar to the expectation in this particular scenario. College drains your bank account pretty quickly. Not only are you paying your tuition fees but you’re also paying for accommodation, text books and funding your recreational activities. However, there are a number of ways you can save up as a student like learning how to budget, picking up part-time jobs and looking for affordable student accommodation options. 

Time management

As an international student in a new country, your ability to manage your social life and college work is tested when you begin college. Learning how to balance assignments with daily chores and still trying to have fun is something that every student goes through while they study abroad. 

Expectations 

Everyone goes into college thinking that their first few months may be hard, but once they get the hang of things, they’ll be able to manage it all. Keeping in touch with family and friends back home, submitting work on time and having a healthy social life won't be easy but you’ll get the hang of it eventually. 

Reality 

Something that international students often forget to think about is the time difference. People often talk about jet lag but the reality of studying abroad, far away from your home country is that staying in touch with friends and family takes a level of coordination and planning that you likely didn't have to face before. You can also read our blog on the best time management tips for students.

Homesickness

Leaving your home and moving away is always a challenge and something most student wonder about is homesickness. How lonely will you feel away from your family and friends back home? While this is something that differs from person to person, there are a few common study abroad expectations that we’ve noticed in first-time students. 

Expectations 

One of the most common study abroad expectations is that you’re going to stay in touch with all your friends back home and you’ll make trips back home and they’ll come and visit you. The common study abroad expectations are that once you settle into a routine, homesickness won’t affect you because you’ll be used to your new life. 

Reality 

The reality of studying abroad is that if you’re very attached to friends and family back home and are in constant contact with them, it'll make adjusting to your new life much harder. It sounds like harsh advice, but cutting down on contact with old-school friends may encourage you to step out more and overcome homesickness.

Pros and Cons of Studying Abroad

Getting an opportunity to study abroad can be an exciting and life-changing experience. Let us look into the pros and cons of studying abroad in a concise manner.

Pros:

1. Exposure to new cultures and languages: Studying abroad is a great way of experiencing different languages and cultures, broadening perspectives, and developing a better understanding of the world.
2. Personal growth and development: Living in a foreign country can be helpful for developing crucial life skills like adaptability, independence, and resilience. You get to challenge yourself and step out of your comfort zone.
3. Enhanced career opportunities: Studying abroad can make you more attractive to potential employers, as it shows that you have international work experience, cross-cultural communication skills and adaptability to different kinds of environments.
4. Expanded network of international contacts: Studying abroad helps you build a network of international contacts, which are valuable for future job opportunities.
5. Access to high-quality education and resources: Many countries have top-ranked universities and research institutions, and studying abroad can give you access to high-quality education and resources that may not be available in your home country.

Cons:

1. Culture shock and homesickness: Moving to a new country can be overwhelming and stressful, and it can take time to adjust to a new culture, lifestyle, and social norms. This can lead to feelings of homesickness or culture shock.
2. Financial burden and cost of living: Studying abroad can be expensive, and the cost of living in some countries can be high. Students may also face additional expenses such as travel, visa fees, and health insurance.
3. Language barriers and communication difficulties: Language barriers and communication difficulties can be a challenge when studying abroad. Students may need to learn a new language or adapt to different accents and dialects.
4. Difficulty in adapting to new academic systems and expectations: Every country has its own academic system, and students may need to adapt to new teaching styles, coursework, and grading systems. This can be challenging and may require additional effort and support.
5. Limited access to support systems and resources: Being far from home can mean limited access to resources, including family, friends, and familiar services.

Your study abroad expectations may not match the reality of studying abroad, but we promise you, your college is still going to be an unforgettable experience where you make countless memories. Being an international student isn't easy and you should be proud of even making the decision to take on this journey. We hope you enjoyed reading about some of the most common studying abroad expectations vs reality and wish best of luck on your student journey! Navigate the nuances with the help of our webstory on 5 tips for adjusting to life abroad!