MythBusters: 8 Myths About International Education

MythBusters: 8 Myths About International Education

Aman Kaushik (Founder & CEO, Fulcrum-Push)

During the course of researching and having engaging discussions with students from various subject streams, I realized that while there are some genuine concerns and confusion about studying abroad but most of these are falsehoods or rather myths. In general, these myths are created by parents, family members and peers based on outdated or biased information. In fact, many aspiring students who have qualified academically and financially do not pursue their dream of studying abroad because of these not so true myths. While this is most prevalent in mofussil towns, even the Metro town aspirants are not untouched by these myths.

I have collated these myths and though there are almost 2 dozen of them, I have selected 8 based on my understanding of what they said and what wanted to say but couldn’t articulate. Read on and arm yourself with the knowledge of what’s a myth and what reality. I have also created a video on the same subject, and you can watch it here https://youtu.be/rGVVKiCMn8g

Myth #1 – It’s only good for Technical Courses.

Reality – Not true!! Today a good degree in Humanities or say in Law are not only available in many parts of the world but are in extremely high demand not only in your native country but also in other global markets. Regardless of the type of degree or subject of study you are interested in, there is plenty of study abroad opportunities in countries throughout the world – it’s just a matter of finding them! In fact, my own research started with a quest to find courses beyond engineering or medical for my son. I was surprised not only by how wide choices are available but also by the career opportunities they offered. While I do agree that Computer Engineering, Microbiology or Medical Research offers a great pay scale and the lure of settling abroad, however, the perception that there are no good choices in other streams, is a pure myth that needs to be broken fast and NOW. 

Myth #2 – It’s Expensive.

Reality – False!! First, there is one for each budget. Second, there is no doubt that the cost of educating abroad is slightly higher than a similar course in India because of living expenses in a foreign country. But when you look at the ROI factor it’s not true. If you meticulously plan your finances, your education will not look like a burden. Most countries allow work for specific hours a week and one can take up on-campus jobs, teaching assistance, research assistance, or other work to add on your income. After finishing your course almost all countries provide work visas providing you to work with some fabulous companies. In most cases, many students end up earning to an extent with this combination of work during the course and post-degree work visa that they pay off their education loan EMI’s.

Myth #3 – It’s only the USA, UK, Canada, or Australia.

Reality – Now this is not only the most prominent one but also the one which is most prevalent with highly informed one too. This is what we call our limited experiences becoming the truth for us. While the world changes, we still get stuck with leanings of the past. In fact, I carried that thought too almost till 5 years back.  It was broken when my nephew took admission in M. Arch in Milan. What surprised me was not only how great the course is (and in English) but also how economical it was. Later my research confirmed that if you are looking for Research, European Universities are as good a bet as any US University. For some Under Grad programmes, Singapore and Japan Universities are excellent. 

Myth #4 – Only the top percentile can study Abroad.

Reality – While having a great academic record is an advantage everywhere in India or abroad, period! Having said that it’s not a “either on the top or there are no chances in life” world. In real life, success (personal or professional) is mostly dependent on a combination of education, a network of relationships one has nurtured and experiences you have imbibed in your life. So, when you apply for an overseas university, while top grads play an important role but there are many factors that decide the ranking of your application. Things like extracurricular activities, job experience, quality of essay can compensate for the blip in the academic record if any. 

Myth #5 – It’s a waste of money if you don’t want to Migrate.

Reality – I think that’s thinking rather than a myth and I strongly believe it needs to change. While migration post-education is a good idea for many but in my view, it need not be the only end result while deciding on overseas education. There are two challenges in this line of thought, first, you end up limiting your choices of country/university and course. Secondly, some of us who abhor the idea of living in another country just don’t pursue the idea of studying overseas and misses on a great exposure with quality education.

Myth #6 – Language is a big barrier.

Reality – First and foremost there is a 100% surety that the course you will be taking up will be in English whether its Italy France Austria or Poland. Geography is not a constraint. So, it is not necessary for you to learn the language of the country you are going to. Most universities in countries that are not English speaking have realised that they are missing on a lot of international talent, so English-taught programs are becoming more and more commonplace. However, even basic knowledge of the native language of that country will offer you a much deeper study abroad experience. But in most cases, it’s not an advantage, not a must requirement. 

Myth #7 – Employers don’t care if you an international education degree.

Reality – Obviously, an international degree is not better than an IIM or IIT or for that matter a degree from a top-ranking institution in India. Now that’s said, you are better off than millions who don’t have the same pedigree as mentioned above but have done education from other institutions. An employer associates a study abroad candidate with International exposure which is important for the companies of today’s global business world. Apart from this these students have great social skills, risk-taking abilities, fewer biases, understanding of cross-cultural dynamics, adaptability for alien conditions and an international network of ideas and people. As more and more organizations are working across borders and cultures, an international degree from an overseas university will be a great advantage over the others while seeking employment.

Myth #8 – No way to clear doubt on Country, University and Course.

Reality – I think the confusion is real, but choices are not. The solution is to look for the right consulting options. While online research is a great help however it’s a good tool only as a complement to in-person consulting with an expert. If the internet is the only help you are relying on the confusion extrapolate due to the deluge of information. You need an Expert to refine it for you in order to find what’s right for you. In fact, the reason we started www.exednow.com is to provide that expertise along with the added benefit of university familiarization trips to seekers of international education degrees.