Top 10 myths about studying abroad

For any ambitious youngster, the process of choosing a university is a very important step. For those who will be studying abroad, information is essential. We try to debate and clarify 10 myths about studies abroad to give you all the correct information you need. These are taken from the experiences of Edmundo students who annually go abroad to study.

#1 It's not for me

If you want to have a successful career, but feel that your goals cannot be achieved in Greece, then studying abroad is the perfect choice for you. If your desire is to pursue high quality education, with well-trained teachers, and opportunities for further education in the chosen field of study, we recommend that you apply to a foreign university.

Studying abroad is considered an open door to success for those aspiring to evolve as a person in another country. In addition, you can live the experience of your life, a process that can mature you and give you the freedom you need.

#2 Only Olympics study abroad

Often, young students are discouraged by the requirements of foreign universities. Although admission procedures are rigorous and competitive, the faculties address those young people with openness and ability to pursue the chosen field of study, not just those with very high marks.

As a general fact, an average of over 8 or 8.50 in the previous study cycle increases the chances of being admitted to a university outside the country. At EDMUNDO, we also worked with students with smaller backgrounds, but since they were able to demonstrate to the evaluation committee a real determination in their desire to continue their studies outside the country, they were accepted.

Also, the Danish universities focus on the grades obtained in the subjects relevant to the chosen academic field. In other words, in the case of a young person who wants to study IT, for example, performance in real-world study subjects will be looked at more closely than in human subjects.

In addition, some UK faculties also accept future students who have had the B2 grading rating in English language skills. This is for the benefit of those who fail to get a good score in Cambridge, IELTS or TOEFL standardized language tests.

Furthermore, in the UK, there is a Foundation Year programme for students who do not have a good knowledge of the English language or fail to pass their final exam with a satisfactory grade. This opportunity provides courses of one year's duration, considered as preparatory for the person who automatically becomes a student after completing the Foundation Year, without the need for another admission.

International study programmes are designed for any type of student willing to learn. Studying abroad is an opportunity for specialization, which is why we encourage all those willing to study at an international university to apply!

#3 It's hard to choose the destination

Another important decision you have to make when choosing to study abroad is to decide upon one country.

You should think well where you would like to live in the next few years. The country should suit you in terms of your personality. Once you have identified the expectations you have from the "adoptive country", the choice is very easy. If you are not sure which study program to follow or do not know which field suits you, throw an eye here.

Once you have passed this process, our team can advise you for free in the next steps of the application process. We have partnerships with more than 100 universities across Europe and our team of counsellors has an experience of over 1,000 students who apply annually with our help, who attend or have attended an abroad university.

You can always find answers to your questions on this blog and can virtually visit the campuses of our partner universities alongside our counsellors with the help of EDMUNDO's Journal.

#4 It's expensive

People in the country are referring to the national economy and have the impression that studying in a foreign country involves huge costs.

You should know that in some countries in Northern Europe (Finland, Sweden, Denmark) the studies are completely free, and in the rest of the other countries where tuition fees apply, support is provided to any young person in order to finance their studies.

There are government loans granted by most foreign countries to international students to help them fully cover their tuition fee. For example, in the case of Great Britain, government loans by the Student Loans Company are about £ 9,250 for undergraduate studies and about £ 10,609 for master studies.

The Netherlands, on the other hand, is much more accessible from the point of view of studies, the tuition fee starting at 2.078 Euros / year.

Students also have the chance to receive scholarships up to € 2,000 in some countries, a sum of money that helps them and reduces their daily expenses.

#5 The process is complicated

The admission requirements for foreign universities are very similar to those in Romania or Greece.

Documents required in the form of a file are roughly the same in all faculties: a score of more than 8 at the final exam/the Bachelor’s Degree, a letter of motivation, one or several letters of recommendation, a certificate and proof of a good grade obtained in a language test internationally recognized English (CAE, IELTS, TOEFL). Some universities also accept the B2 grade obtained at baccalaureate as part of the English language test.

Moreover, there is the possibility to study abroad even in the absence of the final exam or if you do not have advanced English knowledge through Foundation Year programs. For more details about this opportunity, you can contact us here.

These requirements are easily met by any person willing to study abroad. There are some faculties that require special language or aptitude tests, but these are not very common. However, these cases will be presented to you by our team. If it seems complicated, we are a click away, message us.

#6 I'm not ready

Going abroad is a very important decision for any young person. Young age, physical separation from family or friends are factors that make many think about their decision to study in another country.

However, those who are willing to study in a foreign country at a top university are not intimidated by these factors. It all depends on how much they want to live the experience of their lives.

There are not very many years of study, and just like in Romania or Greece, you have vacation several times a year, so you can go home to your loved ones. Moreover, nowadays, you can reach home in less than 2-3 hours, if you choose to travel by plane.

Anyhow, once the studies have begun, your attention will be directed to school curriculum, so your home sickness will soon be over. You will form new friendships and you already know that friendships in college are bound to last for a lifetime.

#7 I do not know the quality of the programme

According to a recently completed study, where the subjects consisted of EDMUNDO students, the foreign education system is more performing and focuses on each student. Teachers are very well trained in each field of study, and their relationship with the students is very open.

Universities abroad rely more on practical study, flexibility in schedules and subjects, which you can choose as you wish.

Also, employment opportunities or enrollment in an internship programme are higher than in Greece, and they can still appear while you’re still a student.

Most UK universities have an employment rate of over 90%, just after graduation.

In order to complete the benefits package brought abroad, international universities have many partnerships with other institutions on all continents, so you can always go to study in that exotic country you've always dreamed of for a semester or one year through Study Abroad / Exchange programmes.

#8 I will not adapt abroad

If you are an open person who wants to know many cultures and meet new people, then life abroad will be your most beautiful experience. Usually, foreign students are helped by other colleagues, institutions, or associates to integrate perfectly from day one.

At least, universities will make sure you have a very pleasant stay on campus, offering one or more of these solutions: Welcome week, a Buddy programme or access to the International Office.

Welcome week is the first week on campus where different events are held for international students. You will discover the university, meet the teachers and your new colleagues, and student organizations in which you can sign up for volunteering. In addition, theme parties will be organized a lot and you can find out which are the most affordable means of transportation, supermarkets and banking or medical services.

The buddy or the person who will be appointed to you by the university to guide you in the first year may be an older student than you and who has gone through the same experience. It can help with cultural shock or social transition. This person will understand what you are going through, so you can rely on him / her in any situation.

Each university has an International Office / Career Center / Student Union, which consists of a team designed to solve the problems of international students. This includes career counselors, psychologists, volunteers who can assist you with any questions or concerns you have during your accommodation, and not only.

Thus, establishing relationships with other colleagues will be inevitable, and your closeness will be very easily developed because everyone who studies that programme has the same passions and aspirations. Friendships formed during the faculty will make it easier for you to adapt to your new life, and turn this experience into one that you will never forget.

#9 Foreign students are treated differently

In fact, international students are not marginalized or differentiated in any way. Courses facilitate communication and interaction among students so that foreign students will be easy to exchange ideas with other young people and to meet new people who can make their country and customs known.

Most foreign universities are composed of large international student communities, especially because they focus on human development in a multicultural environment, social inclusion and tolerance, but also on cultural promotion and the discovery of each country’s traditions from which their students come from.

In any university abroad, international students are treated, respected and taught in the same way as the local ones. There are no differences in teaching, and if you are a student with good grades and performance during your studies, you will be appreciated no matter from what country you’re coming from.

Just like young natives, foreign students can benefit at any time from support and guidance for the future or during their studies. In addition, they all have equal chances of obtaining a study and job offer or internship in major companies.

#10 I do not know what career options I have after graduation

One of the benchmarks for UK universities, for example, is the percentage of graduates who engage in the field studied in the first six months after graduation.

In University of Northampton’s case, 95.7% of graduates manage to begin their career immediately after graduation.

Undoubtedly, studies outside the country are equivalent to the international certification of a young man's abilities. Whether we are talking about Anglo-Saxon higher education, whether we are referring to the research universities in the Netherlands, the skills acquired during the academic years and the final diploma open the way for a European and international career.

Given the international environment of the years of study, post-graduate career opportunities are not only limited to the country where the university is located, but extend across the Western space.

Often, Greek graduates get jobs abroad that involve relocation to another country, a European capital or even choose to return to Greece.

Have no fear, Team EDMUNDO is here!

These are just 10 myths about studying abroad that we have gathered over the seven years since we started counselling for free anyone who wishes to study in another country.

We challenge you to ask us anything you might want to know, because the first step toward a successful higher education abroad is the accurate information gathered.

We can help you apply for free. All you have to do is contact us!