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Choosing a college or university is a huge decision that requires a lot of time and research. Obtaining a degree might be a step on the road to a successful career in the field you love, but it’s more than just a box-ticking exercise. You need to live in a place for three to five years, and during these early years of your adulthood, you will discover much about yourself and the world in which we live. In short, picking a college is important. Really important.

Most people choose to study in the country they grew up in, but not everybody takes this path. If you are interested in studying abroad, in order to learn another language, discover a new way of life or simply to attend the college of your dreams, you might feel intimidated by being an “outsider” at the abroad university you choose.

In this post, you’ll learn three things you should know about studying abroad, so you can make the right university choice for you!

1. International fees are usually higher than domestic ones.

When you move to a new country for university, your fees will likely be different to those who are native to the country. Most colleges allocate different fees depending on if you are a domestic or international student, so be prepared to pay more than a domestic student if you plan to study abroad. 

In addition, acquiring student loans is a whole new process for people studying abroad. International student loans can be acquired, but often through private means rather than the national loans route that domestic students take most of the time. 

2. You may find freshman life a little more tricky than the locals.

Being a freshman is always a weird and wonderful experience, no matter where you are from. You and hundreds of other bright-eyed and bushy-tailed people are thrown into the mix all together, being presented with new challenges and finding your way at your own pace. 

When you choose to study abroad, you may find freshman life a little more tricky than those who grew up in the city or country where the university is situated. This is because you will be making a cultural acclimation, not just an educational and social one. Make sure you give yourself the time to settle in and be gentle with yourself in the process.

3. You are bound to bring a fresh perspective that could benefit you academically and socially.

Coming from outside the country you study in has so many benefits, including the fact that you will bring a fresh set of life experiences and perspectives to your studies. Especially if you study a humanities subject, such as a language, history or religious studies, your experiences growing up in a different culture to most other students will benefit you hugely. You may have a more varied experience of the world than they do, which can only serve you positively in your studies and in life on the whole!

Final thoughts…

Studying abroad takes a lot of preparation and research, but the benefits of this choice are evident! Use this guide to help you finesse your abroad studies and make the most of the opportunity.