Studying abroad is a dream for many Indian students who aspire to pursue higher education in reputed foreign universities and colleges. However, there are also many misconceptions and myths that prevent some students from taking this step and exploring the opportunities that studying abroad can offer. In this article, we will debunk some of the common myths about the study abroad education for Indians who wish to study and reveal the actual reality behind them.

Myth 1: Studying abroad is very expensive and unaffordable

One of the most common myths that deter many Indian students from studying abroad is that it is very expensive and unaffordable. Many students think that they need to have a lot of money or a scholarship to study abroad. However, this is not true. There are many ways to finance your study abroad education, such as:

• Applying for scholarships, grants, and bursaries offered by various organizations, institutions, and governments. There are many scholarships available for Indian students who want to study abroad, such as Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships, Chevening Scholarships, Erasmus Mundus Scholarships, etc.

• Exploring the options of student loans, which are offered by many banks and financial institutions in India at reasonable interest rates and repayment terms. Some of the popular student loan providers in India are [SBI], [HDFC], [ICICI], etc.

• Working part-time or full-time while studying abroad, which can help you earn some income and cover your living expenses. Many countries allow international students to work for a certain number of hours per week, such as [Australia], [Canada], [UK], etc.

• Choosing a low-cost destination or program, which can help you save on your tuition fees and living costs. There are many countries that offer quality education at affordable prices, such as [Germany], [France], [Taiwan], etc.

Myth 2: Studying abroad is very difficult and challenging

Another common myth that discourages many Indian students from studying abroad is that it is very difficult and challenging. Many students think that they will face a lot of academic, cultural, and linguistic barriers while studying abroad. However, this is not true. There are many ways to overcome these challenges, such as:

• Preparing well before you go abroad, which can help you familiarize yourself with the academic requirements, curriculum, grading system, and teaching methods of your chosen destination and program. You can also do some online courses or MOOCs to enhance your skills and knowledge in your field of interest.

• Adapting to the new culture and environment, which can help you learn from the diversity and richness of different cultures and perspectives. You can also join various clubs, societies, and events to make new friends and network with people from different backgrounds and countries.

• Improving your language skills, which can help you communicate effectively and confidently with your professors, classmates, and locals. You can also take some language courses or tests to prove your proficiency in the language of instruction or the official language of the country.

Myth 3: Studying abroad is not beneficial for your career and future

A third common myth that prevents many Indian students from studying abroad is that it is not beneficial for your career and future. Many students think that studying abroad will not add any value to their resume or employability. However, this is not true.

There are many benefits of studying abroad for your career and future, such as:

• Enhancing your academic qualifications and credentials, which can help you stand out from the crowd and impress potential employers. Studying abroad can also help you gain access to better educational resources, facilities, and opportunities.

• Developing your personal and professional skills, which can help you grow as an individual and a professional. Studying abroad can also help you develop skills such as adaptability, creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, etc.

• Expanding your global network and exposure, which can help you explore new possibilities and opportunities. Studying abroad can also help you connect with people from different industries, sectors, and fields. Conclusion Studying abroad is a rewarding and enriching experience that can open up a world of opportunities for Indian students who wish to study. However, there are also many myths that need to be busted before taking this step. In this article, we have debunked some of the common myths about the study abroad education for Indians who wish to study and revealed the actual reality behind them. We have shown that studying abroad is not as expensive, difficult, or useless as some people may think. On the contrary, studying abroad can be affordable, manageable, and beneficial for your academic, personal, and professional development. You can find various ways to finance your study abroad education, such as scholarships, loans, or part-time work. You can also overcome the academic, cultural, and linguistic challenges by preparing well, adapting well, and improving your skills. You can also reap the benefits of studying abroad by enhancing your qualifications, skills, and network. We hope that this article will help you make an informed and confident decision about your study abroad plans. Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience that can broaden your horizons and shape your future. Don’t let the myths stop you from pursuing your dreams. Go ahead and explore the world of possibilities that studying abroad can offer

by Vishal Singh, Founder & CEO, Career Paathshala