When Fear Meets Opportunity: Deciding to Study Abroad

Studying abroad is often painted as the ultimate dream. The golden ticket. The light at the end of the tunnel when things at home feel dark. And for many of us from the global south, it really is an opportunity of a lifetime. For me, it came with a scholarship—and I didn’t think twice about leaving. At the time, I thought I had nothing to lose. No car, no house, no savings. Just my family.

But over time, I realised I had more than just family back home. I had my language. My music. The sun on my skin. My food, my culture, the small moments with cousins at ceremonies, the comfort of the familiar. That’s the thing no one tells you—you don’t just leave people behind, you leave a piece of yourself too.

For some, the decision is even harder. You might be leaving a spouse, kids, a steady job, or a business you’ve worked hard to build. And yes, while there is growth waiting abroad—academic, personal, spiritual, and sometimes financial—you also have to be honest: you will miss out on a lot. Birthdays, weddings, funerals, graduations, small moments that don’t seem big until you’re not there to experience them.

It sounds almost silly to say this out loud because the world has sold us the idea that being abroad is always “better.” And yes—there are benefits: earning in a stronger currency, meeting new people, traveling across borders, building a global CV. But there’s also the reality: racism is real. Loneliness is real. Financial stress is heavy. And sometimes fear creeps in when you least expect it.

Still, studying abroad can also be the start of beautiful things—friendships you’ll treasure forever, exposure to cultures you’ve never imagined, mentors who’ll guide you, opportunities that could open doors in your home country or beyond.

Here’s the truth: no one can guarantee you a good or bad experience. It depends on your circumstances, your mindset, your willingness to adapt, and and the opportunities you choose to lean into or how open you are to growth along the way. What I can say is this—if you choose to go, go all in. Don’t waste the opportunity. Show up for your studies, connect with your lecturers, and don’t shy away from building your CV while you’re still in school. Learn new skills, take short courses, volunteer, network, read more, and yes—have fun too.

You owe it to yourself to make this season count. Love harder. Be grateful for the life you’re building. Speak life over yourself. Be gentle with your heart but also push yourself to grow. Because at the end of the day, moving abroad is not just about the degree—it’s about who you become in the process.

And while you’re figuring it all out, remember that EU StudyAssist is here to share real experiences and honest advice, straight from people who have walked this road before you. Check in every week and see what little droplets of wisdom you might find—something to guide you, to lighten the load, or simply to remind you that you’re not as alone as you sometimes feel.