The issue of studying abroad has become increasingly relevant lately. The increasing requirements of employers, on the one hand, and the growing level of competition in the labor market, on the other hand, make many school graduates and students think about getting higher education abroad. But, unfortunately, around the study abroad, as well as around most rapidly growing trends, a large number of myths have arisen that make inexperienced people abandon their dreams.
Let's try to figure out which myths most hinder the decision to study abroad.
strong> Myth 1: I'm not smart enough. Abroad study only the most intelligent.
This is perhaps one of the most common myths about studying abroad. Many people think that only those of us who graduated from high school with a gold medal and who have only “excellent” in their grades can study abroad. This is not true!
Studying abroad is not the smartest, but the smartest. And if you read this article, then you have already thought about studying abroad, and, accordingly, you can already classify yourself as quick-witted.
Most often, grades in a certificate or diploma do not play a decisive role when entering a foreign university, but you will have to tinker with the design of a package of documents. But no one said it was easy. On the other hand, you can entrust this work to professionals and save yourself nerves and time.
strong> Myth 2: Studying abroad is very expensive.
This myth has been imposed on us since childhood. We hear all the time: “Do you know how everything is expensive there?” And how much is “expensive”, nobody really wants to figure it out.
Studying abroad can be absolutely free. It is only necessary to find an appropriate grant or take part in any educational program. If we talk about paid foreign education, then its prices compare favorably with the cost of Russian paid education. For example, cost is only 363 Euro / sem. Now ask how much it costs to study in Moscow.
em> “But, after all, the student needs to eat something and live somewhere,” you say. Yes, but studying here abroad has a number of advantages. The student can always find a hostel or rent an apartment. Yes, you heard right - rent an apartment. The practice of renting apartments by students is common in Europe, as it is easy to find a very small apartment not far from the university, the rental price of which will not exceed 300 Euros. And if you rent an apartment with someone for two, then the costs will decrease by half.
As a rule, eating abroad costs on average, even cheaper than at home. This is affected by the constant increase in food prices in Russia. And if earlier some products could still be bought in Russia cheaper than in Europe, now foreign prices are already lower than Russian, and especially Moscow.
strong> Myth 3: First you need to learn at least one foreign language.
Paradoxical as it may seem, this is also a myth. You can enter and start studying in almost any country in the world with knowledge of only the English language or without even knowing a single foreign language. Many universities in the world have long been practicing student enrollment in universities, and then, already in the country, send them to language courses.
Being in the language environment and constantly attending special courses for foreigners, a student, most often, begins to study in his specialty within a year. Of course, it all depends on the individual and on the language that he teaches, but usually there are no problems with this.
strong> Myth 4: Who needs me there? They have a lot of their own, like me.
Yes many. But there are many students everywhere. Firstly, many universities are interested in introducing ethnic diversity among their students, and a guest from Eastern Europe, seeking to gain knowledge at their university, is attracting attention.
Secondly, any university requires quick staff. And here a foreign student has an advantage. There are many citizens of the country who want to get an education in their own country and stay there to work, and savvy foreigners who know exotic languages (and why is Russian or Ukrainian not an exotic language?) Can be counted on the fingers. Still in doubt that you're smart? See Myth 1.
strong> Myth 5: This is a waste of time.
em> "Education does not matter. The main thing is experience, ”we often hear. And this is partly true, but only partly. This myth has developed due to the fact that for the most part, Russian education is based on a theoretical component, and in order to put theory into practice, a person certainly needs experience.
But this newest experience is best obtained in the learning process, and not in the enterprise. Abroad, education has long passed in many ways outside the university. Students have the opportunity, having gained knowledge, immediately apply them in practice, which gives an undeniable competitive advantage in the labor market in the future. And the experience of practical work conducted under the supervision of knowledgeable teachers, subsequently, is indispensable.
Do not forget about the wide possibilities of communication. The student has many opportunities to make friends around the world, get acquainted with a foreign culture or find future business partners.
We have listed five key myths about studying abroad. Now, many of you who have already thought about studying abroad will be able to cast aside your doubts, and those who have not thought about it will be able to consider another option of getting a higher education.
strong> And remember, your future is in your hands!