Attending School Abroad – Six Realities of Being an International Student

Many people attend university or college in other countries, yet there is so little “to-the-point” information available about attending school abroad. The fact is that you only live once, and if you want to see the world there’s no better way to do it than when you’re young and in university. Attending university as an international student is a great way to meet new people, experience different cultures, and learn a whole lot about yourself.

Okay, you probably already knew all of that. There are other aspects of being an international student that you probably should know as well:

1. There may be a language barrier – Deciding to attend university in France or Italy may present language barriers if you don’t speak the national language. While most universities offer some kind of language counseling and assistance, the onus will still be on you (as the student) to make things work.

On the other hand, there’s no better way to learn a language than to simply surround yourself with it and learn as you go.

2. It is expensive – Unless you’ve got six-figures in the bank you can bet on getting a job wherever it is you’re attending university. The cost of a flight alone can reach several thousand dollars (depending on your destination), and then you’ll have to pay for accommodations, food, clothing, cell phone, utilities, etc.

If you are traveling to a country where the local currency is worth more than your currency you will have to pay a premium on services and bills until you are able to function with the local currency. As well, the cost of university varies wildly depending on where you are going, so don’t be surprised if it costs you more to go to school.

3. You probably won’t have a vehicle – If you aren’t driving now this won’t be a big change for you, but if you’re used to the wide open spaces and the incredible affordability of vehicles in North America be prepared for a shocker: almost all Asian and European countries are much more expensive to drive in. Everything, from the cost of gasoline to the cost of the vehicle itself, costs more.

4. There won’t be any friends or family – At least, not initially anyway. If you aren’t able to properly function on your own without some kind of social guidance or interaction you may want to seriously think about your decision to attend abroad, as there’s very little that your family can do for you if you’re halfway across the world.

You’ll make friends, but there may be a few weeks where you’re on your own. Can you handle that?

5. Local customs may be different from your own – “Don’t judge another culture by the standards of your own”. Some of the local customs or norms may be quite different from what you’re used to, and you’ll look weird if you don’t conform to them.

6. Accents are great, and you’ll probably get one – Going to school in Scotland? Expect to come home with a Scottish accent. Everyone loves an accent, and if you’re lucky you’ll get one that sticks. How exotic ;)