Should You Study Abroad? The Real Talk You Need Before Booking That Flight

The Real Talk You Need Before Booking That Flight

So you’ve seen the highlight reels. Friends in front of the Eiffel Tower, riding scooters through Bali, kissing kangaroos in Australia. It looks amazing, and it is. But here’s what the Instagram captions don’t say:

Studying abroad is life-changing, but it’s also messy, lonely, expensive, and sometimes straight-up overwhelming.

So, how do you know if it’s right for you? Let’s talk about it.

First, Ask Yourself: Why Do I Want to Go?

It sounds obvious, but this question is everything. Be honest with yourself. Is it because:

• You want to travel and see the world?

• You’re burnt out and need a reset?

• Everyone else is doing it?

• You genuinely want to learn about another culture?

There’s no wrong answer. But knowing your “why” helps you pick the right program, the right city, and the right experience. If you just want a vacation, that’s valid — but a 4-month academic program in a remote rural town might not give you what you're craving.

The Things That Make Study Abroad Amazing

Let’s not downplay it. Studying abroad can absolutely change your life.

1. You’ll grow in ways your campus can’t teach you.

From figuring out public transport in a new language to ordering groceries without knowing the word for “chicken,” you’ll develop confidence, patience, and independence FAST.

2. You’ll see yourself and your culture differently.

Living abroad will give you perspective. You’ll realize what you’ve taken for granted, what you actually care about, and how much more there is to learn.

3. The friendships hit different.

When you’re far from home and thrown into the unknown with other students, you bond quickly. It’s like college friendships on steroids. These are the people you’ll stay up with crying over homesickness and laughing over 2am meat pies.

4. You’ll make memories no one else will understand.

Your abroad stories won’t always make sense to people back home, which is kind of the point. They’ll be yours.

The Stuff No One Really Talks About

Let’s keep it 100. There are real challenges, and pretending otherwise just sets people up for disappointment.

1. It can get lonely.

Even when surrounded by people. Even in a dreamy city. Culture shock is real, especially when the novelty wears off. You might feel isolated, misunderstood, or just.. off. That’s normal. And it doesn’t last forever.

2. You’ll miss things at home.

Birthdays. Formals. Breakups. Job interviews. Life doesn’t pause while you’re away. You’ll scroll through stories and feel weird about it. It’s okay to feel both grateful and homesick at the same time.

3. It’s not cheap.

Between flights, housing, travel, and late-night kebabs, it adds up fast. Budget for the boring stuff (laundry, phone plans, toiletries) because no one talks about that in pre-departure meetings.

4. Not every program is created equal.

Some schools are super hands-on. Others? Not so much. Some cities are perfect for students. Others feel isolating. Do your research. Ask former students. DM someone who's been.

Insider Advice You Won’t Find in the Brochures

• Don’t pick a city just because it’s “trendy.” Pick the one that fits your vibe. Are you a beach girl, a history nerd, a food lover, or a nightlife explorer? Choose accordingly.

• Don’t wait for people to invite you. Invite yourself. Start convos. Go solo. Everyone’s just as nervous as you are.

• You won’t do it “perfectly.” There’s no one right way to “do” abroad. You don’t need to travel every weekend. You don’t need to hit 14 countries. You don’t need a perfect Instagram grid.

• Your version of abroad is valid. Even if you spend your Saturdays journaling in a café instead of skydiving in New Zealand.

So…Should You Study Abroad?

Here’s the truth: If there’s even a small part of you that wants to — and you have the resources, support, and flexibility to go — do it.

It won’t always be pretty. It won’t always feel magical. But it will teach you, and give you stories you’ll carry forever.

And if you’re not ready? That’s okay too. You don’t need to study abroad to be interesting, worldly, or successful. This is your journey, no one else's.

Ready to make the leap? We’ve got student-made guides to help you plan your life in Sydney — housing, transport, culture shocks and more! Click here to see the full collection