Common Mistakes to Avoid While Studying Abroad

The prospect of being able to study abroad is an amazing opportunity for many students. However, there are often many challenges associated with the opportunity, and if unprepared, students can make mistakes. Being up to date with international education trends in 2024 can help prepare for international studies.

Take a look as we answer the question of what are the challenges of studying abroad. Students can take note of these challenges and avoid them if they plan to study abroad in the future.

10 Common Mistakes Study Abroad Students Make

Every individual student would have their expectations of what studying abroad would be like. Unfortunately, the requirements to study abroad countries can catch students off guard due to the realities.

Putting reality against expectations, students do make quite a few mistakes when taking this journey. Students can take note of these 10 common mistakes while studying abroad to have a smoother and more successful experience.

1. Poor planning and research
2. Avoiding perfecting the local language
3. Networking with the wrong people
4. Taking studying lightly
5. Inadequate research into scholarships and financial aid
6. Not taking an interest in the culture and rules of study country 
7. Not prioritising English exams and standardised tests 
8. Lack having a Plan B
9. Budgeting only for tuition fees 
10. Avoiding help 

Let’s take a closer look at each mistake and how to combat them. 

1. Poor Planning and Research

Common mistakes study abroad students make are not choosing the right country and not planning. Planning and research form the base of any desire to study in educational institutes abroad. Getting both of these rights will put students in a favourable position for admission and visa application.

Students need to look at all aspects of studying abroad, including these ones:

• Preferred course and requirements 
• Suitable university and admission requirements
• Visa requirements
• Cost of living and source of funds 
• Host country’s language, culture, and rules

Also, having more information about the processes will aid in managing unexpected situations.

2. Avoiding Perfecting the Local Language

For international students, the language they speak may differ from their host country. Many of these students don’t try to perfect the new language. Unknowingly, they are making it more difficult to study in abroad countries.

Good communication is a key skill to have in a foreign country, especially as a student. Communicating well in the local language will help students in their studies. It will even help in finding a part-time job while studying abroad.

Students not proficient in the host country language without knowing the language often leave it as that. However, they can opt for a tutor even after reaching their destination.

3. Networking With the Wrong People

One of the most common mistakes study abroad aspirants make is only socialising with students from the same country. There is so much to gain from networking with people from different countries.

Exposure to different cultures is a way to increase knowledge, adapt, and even open up opportunities. If planning to study abroad in countries like Australia, the UK, and the USA, students can benefit from diverse cultures.

There are several benefits of networking in college for Indian students, and the same applies to university students. A rich network of local students, international students, and experts can help international students.

4. Taking Studying Lightly 

Unlike the Indian education system, a more equal distribution between exams and coursework exists. This means that international students must pay attention to all aspects of their studies.

Students have to apply themselves equally to individual and group work as it has weightage on their final score. A common misconception of studying abroad countries is that their studies are a walk in the park.

This is not true, and regardless of country, education requires students to apply themselves in all areas. Students who don’t pay attention to coursework throughout the year will also be committing one of the common mistakes study abroad students commit.

All coursework and exams carry equal importance, and students cannot afford to ignore either one. Because of this, students must allocate their efforts equally throughout their education abroad.

5. Inadequate Research into Scholarships & Financial Aid

Another one of the more common mistakes study abroad students make is not looking into the scholarship criteria. As a result, a student who does qualify for the scholarship may not end up getting it due to not knowing all the details.

The choice to study abroad requires immense research. Students need to be aware of every detail regarding their studies, scholarships included. Details regarding scholarships that students should know are:

• Scholarship applicant criteria
• Document requirements
• Application deadlines

6. Not Taking an Interest in the Culture and Rules of Study Country

When asked what are the advantages of studying abroad, many students say it’s the culture. However, not every student chooses to embrace this opportunity.

Many international students make the mistake of not making an effort to learn the ways of their host country. Reading about cultural adaptation tips and local laws makes studying abroad easier.

Failure to learn these two things can help to make friends and avoid legal issues. For this reason, students who study abroad should research their host nation’s culture and rules. Besides, getting familiar with the culture can help international students enjoy their stay in the country.

7. Not Prioritising English Exams & Standardized Tests

Many students see the English language proficiency test as a formality. This mindset is one of the most common mistakes in IELTS exam preparation for students.

IELTS and other entrance exams can influence scholarship opportunities. Universities may also give more weightage to these exams when enrolling students. Also, the exam has several parts, and some universities set a minimum score requirement for each section.

As a result, students should avoid common mistakes in IELTS by prioritising all areas of the exam.

Take a look at the countries Indian students can choose for studying Master’s.

8. Lack of a Plan B

One of the most common mistakes study abroad aspirants make is relying too much on a single plan. Students must avoid the common mistake of not having a backup plan when choosing to study abroad. Plans may not always transpire, and students must ensure that they always have another plan.

Diverting to a plan B can help to save time and money when in a foreign country. Whether it is in studies or outside matters, a plan B is necessary.

The ability to also adapt to the situation will come in handy for international students abroad. Quick thinking and knowing how to navigate failure will help students overcome hurdles in life.

9. Budgeting Only for Tuition Fees

When asked what the challenges of studying abroad are, money does come up. Students have to take responsibility for budgeting and money, and it goes beyond just tuition fees.

As a student in a foreign country, unexpected costs could appear. Not to mention the need to budget for living costs as well. Remember that every student’s lifestyle will influence their total living expenses.

Apart from living expenses, students must have emergency funds available for unexpected situations. The scenario of studying abroad settings can yield a very different picture than studying locally. Therefore, international students expect the unexpected rather than be left in a problematic situation.

10. Avoiding Help

Being away from home, studying abroad and struggling to adapt and cope can be overwhelming for students. Asking for help could greatly help students to adjust better and much faster.

One of the biggest and most common mistakes study abroad students make is not asking for help. They feel shy or feel they may not be helped.

Universities also have specialised resources in the form of counsellors that offer help to students. Student groups and having a varied network can aid in off-campus matters like accommodation and part-time work.

Choose The WorldGrad: Best Education Provider to Study Abroad

As a leading overseas education provider, The WorldGrad offers accessible options to all Indian students. Having partnered with globally ranked and recognised educational institutes in Australia, the UK, and the USA.

With the help of our Smart Programs, study abroad universities and choose their desired undergraduate or graduate course. Students can choose from our six Smart Programs:

1. All American Undergraduate Program
2. All American Graduate Program
3. Global Online Accelerator Program
4. Global Year 1 Program
5. UniSmarter Program
6. UniSmarter Pre-Masters Program

There are several benefits for students choosing to study with The WorldGrad; these include:

• Cost-savings through financial aid and scholarships.
• Increased academic success.
• Ability to gradually transition from home to host country.
• Opportunity to experience academic success due to experiencing and adapting to foreign education before reaching the host country. 
• Benefit from our 2X higher visa success rate due to study commitment.

With all these options and advantages, The WorldGrad makes for the best study abroad provider.

Conclusion

Most students, when allowed to study abroad, don’t make the most of it. They miss out on great opportunities and don’t excel. This is because they make mistakes that are often due to not planning, researching, or asking for help.

Several factors go into a successful overseas education. These include planning, having a plan B, and a supportive network.

FAQs

Q.1 What are the challenges of studying abroad?
A.1 The greatest challenge of studying abroad is adapting to the new environment and culture while also managing the cost of living and studying. Balancing all of these activities can be difficult for some students.

Q.2 What are the advantages of studying abroad?
A.2 Abroad education offers a high-quality education, the opportunity to develop a global network, and gain experience through internships.

Q.3 How can I prepare for the challenges of studying abroad?
A.3 Asking other students about their experiences of studying abroad, carrying out research, and being adaptable. These are the best ways to prepare for the challenges of studying abroad.

Q.4 What are the top countries to study abroad for Indians?
A.4 The top three countries for Indian students to study abroad are Australia, the UK, and the USA.

Q.5 Is it hard to study abroad for Indians?
A.5 Naturally, there will be challenges due to the environment, even more so as most Indian students have not experienced different cultures. But, with patience, understanding, and an open mind, Indian students can socialise and follow the abroad culture easily.

Author: Deepak Shukla