Posted on Friday, July 19th, 2013 at 8:04 am

Studying abroad can sometimes get a bad reputation, depending on who you have talked to in the past about their experience. To clear the air and give this international adventure the reputation it deserves, we are going to de-bunk some common myths about studying abroad.

Study Abroad Myth 1: It Will Cost Too Much
While studying abroad might mean you have to worry about the exchange rate of the currency in your home country against your host country, this doesn’t always mean you can’t afford it. There are a number of financial aid options available that make becoming an international student a possibility including scholarships, loans and tuition waiver programs. Between finding aid and keeping to a budget, studying abroad doesn’t have to be a financial burden.

Study Abroad Myth 2: Studying Abroad is an Excuse to Party
A college experience is what you make of it. While there are study abroad students who enjoy going out and take full advantage of more lenient laws in countries abroad- this is not the case across the board. One of the benefits of studying abroad is the opportunity to pursue a degree while experiencing a different educational approach. In fact, just the opposite of this myth is true, more than 80 percent of students who study abroad develop an increased interest in education according to a recent study conducted by the Institute for the International Education of Students.

Study Abroad Myth 3: I Won’t Graduate On Time
One of the benefits of studying abroad through your school is that you can have a great experience abroad and continue with your studies! To make sure your credits will transfer as needed, choose your classes and check beforehand that your school in your home country will approve them when you return home.

Study Abroad Myth 4: It’s Dangerous
Like any travel adventure, accidents can happen, when you study abroad it can be as safe or dangerous as you make it. It’s important to prepare ahead of time by checking travel warnings issued, purchasing study abroad  insurance, and making a list of emergency contacts within your host country.

If you are still on the fence about studying abroad schedule an appointment with your school’s international student office. They will be able to provide you with further information on what you can expect from a journey abroad and if it’s a good option for you.

Posted by Bryanna Davis

Bryanna joined International Student Insurance in 2011 after returning to the United States from teaching English in China. Her interest in international education, sparked initially by her own study abroad experience in Wales, led her to the company. Bryanna is originally from Missouri and is a graduate from the University of Central Missouri.