Study Abroad, Mission Abort? – The Real Challenges of an International Masters

#1 It can be outrageously costly

Application fees, travel expenses (including those weekend trips that you want to escape on), course fees, rent, transportation, food, cost of living – essentially, nothing is free. Withdrawing money from my account suddenly seems to sting a little more than usual. And, depending on your destination of study, university course, and whether you have a part-time job, scholarships or a Gringotts bank full of galleons, your expenses can add up really quickly. Will you be able to support yourself or have someone at home supporting you financially? Are you able to budget wisely? Will you be able to resist the temptation of a night out and eat in instead?

Tip: Be honest with yourself about your costs before you go, but find ways to save money once you arrive: attend your university’s fresher fairs – score some free pizza and stationery, choose a country/city that’s cheaper, start planning early and secure your funding and scholarship, crowdfund, learn about budgeting and look for offers / download apps to get cheaper food.

#2 It can be lonely

Upon arrival in my accommodation, I quickly settled in, took out photos I brought from home and decorated my room to make it as homely as possible. I thought I managed to beat the homesickness bug but BAM! three months into my stay, it hit me out of nowhere. Being abroad ripped me out of my comfort zone completely. I wasn’t able to call home immediately due to the time differences and being thousands of miles away meant I couldn’t just jump on the next flight. Thankfully, there were societies where I found like-minded people who were in the same funk that I was. We supported one another through the ordeal and this also helped to forge new bonds with my friends abroad.

Tip: Bring items that remind you of home but don’t overdo it or rely on this: those reminders may cause further anguish if you can’t get out of that headspace. Before embarking on your new adventure, search and join Facebook groups to talk to people who have been to the place you’re going to or, better yet, find new friends at the university you’ll attend. Once you’re there, try to form new connections – explore the area, visit the local community, volunteer, talk to a mentor, make new friends – create your new home. Afterall, home isn’t a place, but rather the people in it.

#3 It can be disappointing

Reality and expectations can differ. Everything may not be wonderful, the people you meet may not all be pleasant, your accommodation may not be the most ideal, and you and your flatmates may rub the wrong way (it isn’t always like ‘F.R.I.E.N.D.S.’). All these may be compounded by a language barrier and culture shock. The sudden shifts may cloud the beauty of the new place you’re in but keep an open mind. Once the fog clears, it is easier to make sense of things.

The differences in culture, behaviour, dressing, way of speech may be obvious, but subtle. Local dialects and language may be different from your native tongue. I remember a time when I was speaking to a local and he was nodding fervently throughout the conversation, only to realize he understood only half of what I was saying. We laugh about it now, but I have learnt to speak with confidence (it’s all in your attitude!) and slow down my talking speed to mitigate any future miscommunication. The food may also be different from what you’re used to but you’re there to try something new! So, embrace the differences and adapt to it. If not, bring some home food and recipes to cook by yourself!

Tip: Watch local films before embarking on the trip, research about the local norms and quirky habits before you go, read about others’ study abroad experiences, try new food and participate in local events. Who knows when you will be able to celebrate the next American Thanksgiving, British Bonfire Night or Lunar New Year again?

#4 Your parents still nag (during your occasional video call)

There’s nothing you can do about this one. Appreciate their concerns and take the opportunity to stay connected with home.

Finally, enjoy!

Venturing out for the first time on your own may feel extremely stressful and challenging. However, through my study abroad experience, I have learnt to rely on myself and trust myself to make good choices. I hiked up beautiful mountains, tasted delectable food and came to realize that help and support will always be given to those who ask for it. Reach out to people, discover new experiences and discover yourself. Good things as well as bad things happen, but It’s how you choose to respond that matters. If you’re still not deterred at this point, and know that studying abroad is an experience you want and desire deep down, why not read some guides to postgraduate study abroad, or just start searching for your masters course.

Final tip: "Hope for the best, plan for the worst and prepare to be surprised" – Denis Waitley