Misinformation and outright falsehoods keep many students from even considering studying abroad each year. Too many students mistakenly believe that there is no place in their academic plan or major for time abroad or that study abroad is just a luxury that they can neither afford nor benefit from.

MISCONCEPTIONS:-

I can't afford to study abroad

Study abroad is much like buying a car. Many types and styles are available to fit a variety of budgets.
Especially if you study in a country that has a lower cost of living than at home, your day-to-day living expenses may be far lower than those you are accustomed to. For most students, affording a semester, term, or even a year studying abroad is perfectly doable. If you will earn credit toward your degree for your experience abroad and you receive federal financial aid, then that aid can be applied to your study-abroad costs. In addition, many colleges allow their own institutional aid and scholarships to travel with the student. Some special study-abroad scholarships are also available, and you should definitely apply for those. You would be surprised how many students do not apply for them, which makes the odds for you even better!

I have to study in an English-speaking country because I don't know any foreign language
This is a common misconception. There are many study abroad programmes that require no prior foreign language instruction and will provide you with intensive language classes at the beginning of your stay abroad. Other programmes require just one semester of a language before you depart for a given country. It's true that the more language background you have before you leave, the more immersed you can become once you arrive.

However, your lack of skills in a language shouldn't stop you from studying in a particular country. Study abroad programmes in English-speaking countries are far more competitive than those in countries where other native languages dominate. This is in part because so many students share the common misconception that their monolingualism restricts their choices to English-speaking countries.

Study abroad is not for everyone

No matter what your major, gender, ethnic background, or interests, studying in a foreign country can benefit you personally, academically, and professionally. There are a myriad of programmes available around the world. There are sure to be several that suit your needs and interests.

Study abroad is a luxury

Some students (and their parents) believe that studying abroad is not really studying. Quite the contrary! It's true that the academic setting will probably be different than what you are used to, but that doesn't make it any less valuable. In addition to the formal instruction you receive, numerous learning experiences will happen outside the classroom - experiences you would never get at your home, college or university. The entire experience abroad will change your life as well as enhance your resume and employment potential. In fact, international experience is increasingly important for those seeking a job in a global economy that relies on good relations and the ability to communicate with diverse peoples around the world.

I'll have to extend my studies or won't graduate on time if I take time out to go abroad
The fact is that you can typically earn college credits while studying abroad, both toward fulfilling general education requirements as well as toward your major. In fact, study abroad can give your language skills such a boost that adding a minor or even a second major in a language may require very few, if any, additional courses after you return to your home campus. In addition to year-long programmes, many universities offer semester-long or summer programmes. And if it so happens that you must delay graduation for a few months to fit in studying abroad, what you will gain from the experience far outweighs what you think you'd be sacrificing.

If you talk to anybody who has ever studied abroad, they will likely tell you that any worries or concerns they had before they departed melted away once they arrived in their host country. They will confirm to you that their experience was well worth any extra expense or time it may have taken and that the benefits they have experienced as a result are more numerous and lasting than they ever could have imagined.

Feel free to call on our hotline- 077 3867758 and book an appointment.

You can also send us an SMS on 077 3867758 with your name and education qualification. We will call you back. PAC Asia Services Pvt. Ltd. 28, Dharmarama Road, Colombo 6. Visit: www.pacasia.org.