7 Most Common Mistakes When Studying Abroad

Many international students make some common mistakes as they see studying abroad as a lifetime ambition that needs to be achieved at all costs.

Of course, studying abroad is exciting because you are provided with the opportunity to leave your home country to explore another man’s land.

While studying abroad might be a dream come true for you, you need to realise some of the most common mistakes students make when studying abroad.

Did you know the most common mistakes associated with studying abroad?

Check the most common mistakes below:

1. Language Barrier

Most International students don’t learn the language of their host country which leads to the language barrier between them and the native citizens.

You need to learn the language of your host country so that you can learn to communicate with the residents effectively.

Don’t you know that there is strength in language?

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2. Inadequate Research about the host country is one of the common mistakes

Most international students make this mistake.

Before embarking on a study trip abroad, you need to do thorough research about your host country.

You need knowledge of the school that offered you admission.

What does the transportation system of your host country look like?

you need to know your host country’s transportation system because it is going to help you traverse the length and breadth of that country without any hitches.

Inadequate research about the host country is one of the most common mistakes students make when studying abroad. 

3. Choosing the wrong course of study

As an international student, you need to decide on the right course of study.

Many international students make the mistake of choosing the wrong course before studying abroad.

Check your prerequisite academic qualifications to know if you are qualified for the course you intend to study.

For instance, you can’t study law as your first degree and plan to study medicine and surgery for your Master’s degree abroad.

Why is that so?

It is because these two fields are extremely different.

That’s why I hinted to you about the need to check your prerequisite academic qualification before selecting a course of study.

This is a common mistake you need to avoid. 

Knowing your favourite subjects and looking for the related university that offers courses related to your career will be beneficial.

Committing an error in your choice of course of study might impact your career negatively.

If you are not sure of the course you intend to study, seek the assistance of a guidance counsellor who can assist you in selecting the right course of study.

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4. Packing too much luggage 

Most International students are fond of packing luggage which is a common mistake you need to avoid at all costs.

Why pack too much luggage when you can buy some of the things you need in your host country at the point of your arrival?

5. Making unrealistic expectations

Making unrealistic expectations is one of the things you need to watch out for as an international student.

Stop fantasizing about your imagination and embrace reality.

You need to realize that every day will come with either positive or negative surprises.

As you land in a new country, you will meet people from all walks of life at your school and in the community where you reside.

It’s important to realize that everything will not always be rosy.

To escape failure, you need to have realistic expectations.

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6. Lack of a proper Budget Plan is one of the common mistakes

An adequate budget plan is important to meet your needs as a student studying abroad.

Get first-hand information about your host country’s cost of living.

Plan.

Remember, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

Ask the residents about the cost of accommodation, and what their transportation system and health care system look like.

Plan your budget properly so that you won’t be stranded while studying abroad.

I remember an adage that says “Cut your coat according to your fabric”.

Many International students get stranded because they refuse to be meticulous with their spending.

Can you see the reason why the lack of a proper budget plan is one of the most common mistakes when studying abroad?

7. Common mistakes include neglecting scholarship opportunities.

A scholarship provides financial assistance to students to further their education.

One of the most common mistakes international students make while studying abroad is failing to apply for scholarships, which leaves many of them financially stranded.

There are various types of scholarships.

Some scholarships are established to cater for students’ financial needs while some scholarships are organized to help intellectually sound students.

Failure to apply for scholarships is a big mistake especially if you don’t have a financial support system back home.

Learn how to win international scholarships

Conclusion on Common Mistakes When Studying Abroad

I am sure you have learnt the common mistakes students make when studying abroad.

Memorize these common mistakes so that you will not repeat the mistakes of other students studying abroad.