Myths of study abroad?

Students aspiring to study abroad have certain expectations and preconceived views about foreign study. For instance, most of them tend to think about the high cost factor involved without knowing the right resources to tap. Here are some myths and facts about studying abroad. Get the right picture as it will help you make a more realistic plan about crossing the seven seas for a degree.

Myth # 1
"Studying abroad is an expensive affair” Fact: Studying abroad need not be financially taxing. You must be willing to spend time and effort to check out the various financial resources. While the universities and colleges offer financial aid to international students in the form of awards, teaching and research assistantships and tuition waivers, there are other agencies and institutions that offer financial help too.  This could be in the form of loans, loan scholarships or gift scholarships.  Many prestigious Indian institutions offer grants and aid to deserving Indian students. The trick is to start early, as the aid available is both limited and competitive. Some of the college costs that should figure in your budget planning are the tuition fees, books and study materials, living expenses, health insurance and clothing to name a few.

Few financial institutions which offer assistance - Standard Chartered Grindlays Bank, ICICI Bank, State Bank of India and Allahabad Bank. For loan scholarships you could apply to J N Tata Endowment and K C Mahindra Education Trust (both Mumbai-based) whereas for gift scholarships you could approach Agakhan Education Service and Pirojshah Godrej Memorial Trust (both Mumbai-based).  

 Myth # 2
“I have to be sure of my majors before I apply.” Fact: The selection of your field of study basically depends on your future professional goals and your academic interests.  If you are applying to an American university, you need not choose your majors in the first two years of your undergraduate study. You could use this chance to experiment with many courses, even the ones that are completely different from what you finally intend to major in. This not only gives you an opportunity to expand your knowledge but also to utilise those abilities, which you may be unaware of.

Myth # 3
“The cost of living is very high”Fact: Though the cost of living is relatively high, the student can afford it with a little planning.  For a student, living expenses include room & board, books & study materials, local transportation, clothing, health insurance and other personal expenses.  When working out the living expenses, you must realise colleges tend to over-estimate the financial costs.  These costs are usually based on what an average in-state student might spend rather than on an international student’s spending habits.  You could cut down expenses by sharing an apartment, preparing food in larger quantities or buying the required books and investing in a sensible wardrobe before flying off. 

Myth # 4
“Single-gender colleges are boring and offer no life after class”Fact: As opposed to the common misconception that there are likely to be fewer opportunities for involvement, single-gender colleges sponsor many activities that require the participation of the neighbouring universities and colleges.  Single-gender colleges have arrangements with neighbouring co-ed universities where the students have common lessons.  Then, of course, there are various opportunities of meeting like jointly sponsored clubs, campus jobs, field trips etc. By the way, single gender institutions allow you to focus more on your studies with fewer distractions.

Myth # 5
“A strong academic record is enough to get me a ticket to the university.”
Fact: Though your academic records are of significant importance to the admissions office, there are many factors that the admission committee would look into while reviewing your application.  Every part of the application has its own weight.  Here are some of the credentials that you have to put forward to help the admission committee make a favourable decision - academic achievements, standardised tests, extra-curricular activities, special talents, essays and personal statements and recommendations.  Some admissions are solely done on the basis of special talents and abilities.  So be sure to provide the admissions office enough material showcasing your specialty.

Myth # 6
“Studying Abroad is glamorous and one big party” Fact: On the contrary it has been glamourised.  Being accepted by the college of your choice does not mean the end of all your worries. Studying abroad is all about handling a whole lot of responsibilities in contrast to the secure life here at home.  It can be quite a deal for you to cope with your studies, come to terms with the culture differences and living away from the family and your sheltered environment.