Once a student passes 10+2 or A levels, higher education beckons. A certified degree from a reputed college or university can certainly take one far. It isn’t then surprising that admission to top-tier colleges and universities, both national and international, is highly competitive. And if one is to look at the educational trends of Nepali youths, many increasingly opt for study abroad even if it means higher expenses and a rigorous balance of study and work.
Among the popular destinations for higher education are Australia, the USA, the UK, Japan, South Korea, and European nations, among others. Today, Australia is the most sought-after nation for Nepali students. And each year, thousands of Nepalis apply for foreign student visas, and the lucky ones are accepted. From 2018/19 to 2024/25, over 543,833 Nepali students received No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for foreign study. However, once abroad, the reality of staying away from home for years along with a culture shock greets many students amid challenging classes and higher expenses of living. Yet, it is a continuing trend among Nepali students to compete for higher education abroad. What is then so alluring about study abroad? Could it be the promise of a better future secured through world-class education? Or could it be a change of scenario and the challenge of finding one’s future path in a foreign nation? Either way, study abroad does have its many advantages and opportunities. One can extend one’s horizon, meet new people from different nations, acclimate to a cosmopolitan culture and savour the delight in new ways of learning. And what is education if not the versatility in learning?
While it is all well and good to aspire for foreign education, one has to keep several things in mind. Firstly, students will be thousands of miles away from home in a strange new world. Apart from culture, language and customs too will be different. Except for English-speaking countries, the rest will require a proficiency in a foreign language. Language can be learnt, but it might be difficult to acclimate to an entirely different culture where there are novel ways of communicating and socialising. Homesickness can afflict a vulnerable young person in a foreign college or university. It can even affect educational prospects if it becomes acute. Thus, it might help to reach out to international students who too may be facing similar problems. Joining clubs, taking classes in varied subjects and socialising with students of different nationalities can ease the transition.
Certainly, studying in a foreign nation is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but it is also important for students to focus on self-care. Since they will be far from home, they won’t have anyone checking on them, whether to see if they have had a meal or if they are getting enough exercise, hydration and even sleep. On the plus side, it will encourage international students to be more independent. They will learn to manage a bank account, shop for essentials and even prep a meal on their own. Likewise, abroad studies bring travel opportunities for international students. Travelling to foreign nations is surely enticing, as one can see new places and cultures, try out new cuisines, and make new friends. Additionally, today in an age of social media, students can vlog their thoughts and emotions and share their take on study abroad. An online community can be quite supportive if it is the right and safe one. And social media accounts, if successful and thriving, can be a source of extra income as well.
Talking of expenses, students might require pocket money to spend on minor things such as stationery supplies, groceries, or even treating themselves to a coffee besides tuition and boarding. It might thus help to seek out opportunities to find suitable work or scholarships and funding. For example, one can work in the college or university cafeteria or library or assist the professors in a lab or office and be open for grants. However, there are instances of students dropping out to illegally work in foreign nations, especially if they are short of money. They should instead study and work hard while also applying for further funds and scholarships.
Youths can keep these in mind when venturing for higher education in foreign nations. They may have the privilege of time, but they are also quite deep in an uncharted territory, and therefore adequate guidance from parents, seniors, professors and counsellors will go far in securing their future. Once graduated, students will have to face adult responsibilities, but during their college or university years, they are open to creating memories of a lifetime along with their studies. Thus, a time in a foreign nation can be exhilarating, educational and developmental. Youths should then spend their time learning, socialising, and growing to make the best of their study abroad.
