Disadvantages of Study Abroad

As you begin planning for your study abroad venture, it’s only natural to anticipate the most glamorous aspects of your trip. And while you’re sure to experience a few real-life movie moments, these high expectations can muddle your perception of the reality that awaits you.

So before you start planning, make sure you’ve considered these 5 disadvantages of studying abroad:

1: Language Barriers and Culture Shock

Effective communication is essential for your success as a study abroad student. If you’ll be facing a language barrier, it’s important that you know the level of fluency that will be expected of you.

Are classes taught in the local language? Will your teachers expect you to write and speak fluently? Will you be able to communicate with fellow students and locals?

You may also find yourself jolted by the sudden shift in culture. Everything from food and religious practices to transportation systems and style of dress may differ from those in your home country.

Unfortunately, this culture shock can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and homesickness. If you are not prepared to cope with these differences, they can lead to considerable amounts of stress – even in situations where you’re performing the most mundane of tasks.

2: You’re On Your Own

Navigating a foreign destination on your own can be a very intimidating experience. You may be experiencing certain levels of independence for the very first time. Perhaps you’ve never lived on your own or travelled outside of your home country.

Because some of the worst symptoms of culture shock (sadness, anxiety, a sense of isolation or alienation) can result from the realization that you no longer have your friends and family beside you, it’s important that you’ve fully prepared for this transition.

3: Studying Abroad is Expensive

Travel expenses, tuition, room and board, books and supplies, utilities, local transportation, and the overall cost of living can add up quickly when studying abroad. In fact, the International Institute of Education estimates the average cost of studying abroad to be around $18,000 per semester. Depending on your chosen destination, university, and study abroad organization (and whether you have a part-time job, scholarships, or financial aid), your expenses can vary greatly in cost.

4: Your Credits May Not Transfer

Worst case scenario: an international university or study abroad program extends an invitation for you to study abroad. You happily accept and acquire numerous credits throughout your studies, but return home to find that your international credits do not transfer to your home college or university.

Not only will you have spent large sums of hard-earned money on international classes that don’t count toward your degree, but this potential setback could throw you off track to graduating on time. 

In most cases, your current university will offer the study abroad programs with the credits they will accept. However, if there is a specific program or university you would like to attend outside of the pre-approved programs, your university may arrange an exception—but not always.

5: Your Home Country Health Insurance May Not Cover You Abroad

Like many people, you may assume that your domestic health insurance will continue to cover you as you travel outside of your home country. Some domestic health plans provide coverage for unexpected injury or illness incurred abroad, but coverage levels can vary. Other home country health plans provide no international coverage at all, meaning you could be solely responsible for expenses resulting from unanticipated medical treatment.

Most schools and study abroad programs require participants to have health insurance for this exact reason. And while they may offer their own international student health insurance, this isn’t necessarily your only option. You may be able to shop around and purchase your own student health plan – as long as you can show proof of comparable coverage.