Studies abroad Possible Pitfalls

Academic

An academic degree obtained abroad is certainly valuable BUT

• The plethora of options to choose from can be confusing and overwhelming.
• You need to check with the official accrediting agencies about institutional status.
• Some of the colleges may not be as good as they claim to be.
• There is no guarantee that a foreign degree will be saleable in the global market

Financial

Working while studying abroad is often somewhat lucrative BUT

• You are only allowed to work limited hours – 20 to 40 hours per week.
• You may not even make enough money for your tuition fees and living expenses.
• You will not be able to devote enough time to succeed academically if you work
• Financial aid may be necessary to pay for your studies and living expenses.

Personal

Going abroad will give you the freedom you've always wanted BUT

• You’ll have to become self-reliant and responsible for your own life.
• Dealing with a new environment, cuisine, and cultural practices can be stressful.
• Foreign students could become frustrated, homesick, and alienated.
• Without family love and care, both mental and physical health may suffer.

Social

• It’s certainly exciting to be in a foreign country BUT
• You will encounter a different society with vastly different socio-cultural norms.
• Western society is exceedingly sensitive about individual identity and personal space.
• You will need to master their language to do well in studies and work.
• Interaction with people of other nationalities can be challenging.

Legal

• You’d usually have sufficient legal rights abroad BUT
• You have to be enrolled as a full-time student to maintain your visa status.
• In many countries you can’t work outside your university or college.
• A student visa can be revoked if its conditions are violated.
• Re-entry into the host nation could be denied if you overstay your visa.