If you’re getting ready to make that all important decision of which university will become your new playground, then it is fair to say that you will exercise all of your options. Planning your future is tough and you may find yourself wanting to see a new world by getting as far away from home as possible! The opportunity to experience that exciting university lifestyle in another country is something that lots of people consider, but stop in your tracks because you may find a better opportunity closer to home than you originally thought.
It’s Just Expensive
Taking that trip abroad may initially seem pocket pleasing as university prices can be significantly lower but don’t be deceived, those flights will soon start to add up. When term times up and your new foreign pals are headed on the train home, the trip to the airport will not be as fun as you may have thought. Along with having to pay for the flights back and forth, don’t forget that Universities abroad could also bring an expensive city life. After adding all these costs together, the story ends in a lose/lose situation for you.
The Culture Differences
So you’ve finally moved out of your parents’ house and you’re realising that looking after yourself is hard work! Why add language barriers, foreign culture and new rules and regulations to the mix? Moving out for the first time is hard work in itself let alone dealing with the complications a new country will bring. Worst of all, do you want to be that person that can’t find anything in the supermarket? No, you don’t. Make things easier by sticking to what you know. Phew! Problem solved.
Feeling a Bit Homesick?
Everyone has that moment at university when you just need some tender, love and care from your parents, mostly in the form of home cooking and a bit of laundry! When studying abroad, you truly are out on your own. Even a phone call home can prove difficult with time difference, dodgy connections and frankly it’s just not quite the same. Though the plan was to make a great escape, all students come running back for a home break at some point and the cost of those flights may leave you sitting in your dorm room teary eyed. The trick here is to be smart and stay in the same country!
The Outsider
All your friends at home are making new pals, visiting each other at different campuses and no one fancies that long flight overseas to see you. Don’t be fooled into thinking that everything will stop still for when you get back because frankly life moves on! Whilst everyone is exchanging stories and uploading Instagram pics on their meet ups, you’ll be the one desperately trying to get in on the jokes from half way around the world.
It’s a Once in a Lifetime Opportunity
The answer to this statement is simple; it’s not. Many people believe that as soon as they head off to university, they are tied and bound to education and working hard for the rest of their lives. This is a myth! Many universities offer trips abroad and let’s not forget about summer breaks or even after graduation! There is plenty of time to get out there and see the world without risking your education to do so.
