Do you think language is your biggest hurdle when studying abroad? You're wrong.

When many people consider overseas study, a voice often whispers in their mind: "Am I truly suited for this?"

We worry our language skills aren't good enough, or our personality isn't outgoing enough, fearing we'll be like a transplanted plant, wilting in unfamiliar soil. We stand on the shore, looking at the vast ocean of overseas study, both yearning for it and fearing it, hesitating to take the plunge.

But what if I told you that the key to success in studying abroad has never been your English proficiency, but something entirely different?

Overseas study is like learning to swim: the focus isn't on your technique, but on whether you dare to get in the water.

Imagine you want to learn to swim in the sea.

You could memorise every swimming instruction book inside out, and practise your freestyle and breaststroke perfectly on land. But as long as you don't dare to jump in the water, you'll never learn.

Overseas study is that ocean, and language proficiency is merely your swimming technique.

The people who are truly 'unsuited' for studying abroad aren't those with imperfect 'swimming skills', but those who stand on the shore, forever unwilling to get wet. They fear the cold seawater (culture shock), worry their swimming style isn't graceful (fear of embarrassment), or even don't know why they're getting into the water in the first place (unclear goals).

They stay on the comfortable beach, watching others ride the waves, and ultimately learn nothing, returning home covered in sand.

Those who truly return with great rewards are the ones who bravely jump in. They might choke on water (say the wrong thing), or be knocked over by waves (encounter difficulties), but it's through countless splashes and struggles that they feel the water's buoyancy, learn to dance with the waves, and eventually discover the dazzling, colourful new world beneath the surface.

So, the core of the problem changes. It's no longer 'Am I good enough?', but 'Do I dare to take the plunge?'

How to transform from an 'onlooker on the shore' into a 'brave swimmer'

Instead of listing a string of negative labels like 'unsuited for overseas study', let's examine how a brave 'swimmer' thinks.

1. Embrace the Waves, Don't Complain About the Water Temperature

Those on the shore will complain: "The water's too cold! The waves are too big! It's nothing like our swimming pool at home!" They find foreign toilets dirty, the food unfamiliar, and people's customs strange.

But the swimmer understands: This is what the ocean is like.

They don't expect the ocean to change for them, but learn to adapt to its rhythm. If safety is an issue, they learn to protect themselves; if the food is unfamiliar, they go to an Asian supermarket and cook their own meals. They know that 'when in Rome, do as the Romans do' isn't about being wronged or making a sacrifice, but the first lesson in thriving in a new environment. Respect the rules of this ocean, and you'll truly enjoy it.

2. First, Learn to Move; Then, Aim for Grace

Many people are afraid to speak a foreign language, just as they fear being laughed at for imperfect swimming technique. We always want to wait until our grammar and pronunciation are perfect before speaking, resulting in us being 'invisible' in class for an entire semester.

Look at students from South America; even if their grammar is a bit messy, they confidently speak up. They're like someone who's just entered the water, not caring about their posture, just frantically paddling. And the result? They make the fastest progress.

Remember, in the learning zone, 'making mistakes' isn't shameful, but the only path to growth. Your goal isn't to swim to an Olympic gold medal standard on day one, but to get yourself moving and avoid sinking.

If you're genuinely afraid to speak, you might consider finding a 'swimming aid'. For instance, a chat app like Lingogram, with its built-in AI real-time translation, can help you gather the courage to interact with people from all over the world. It can help you overcome your fear of communication, and once you've built up your confidence, you can gradually let go of the 'swimming aid' and swim further on your own.

3. Know Which Horizon You Want to Swim Towards

Some people study abroad simply because 'everyone else is doing it' or 'they want to improve their English'. This is like someone jumping into the ocean without knowing where they want to swim. They can easily tread water in one spot, feel lost, and eventually, exhausted, clamber back onto the shore.

A smart swimmer knows their goal before getting in the water.

"I want to master English so I can understand the latest scientific papers." "I want to experience different cultures to break free from my fixed mindset." "I want to earn this degree to enter a specific industry once I return home."

A clear goal is your lighthouse in the vast ocean. It gives you the motivation to persevere when you encounter difficulties, and lets you know that everything you do is moving you towards that dream horizon.

You're Not 'Unsuited'; You Just Need to Make a 'Decision'

Ultimately, there's no one naturally 'suited' or 'unsuited' for studying abroad.

Overseas study isn't a qualifying exam, but an invitation to reinvent yourself. Its greatest benefit is giving you an opportunity to break free from all your past negative self-perceptions, and to discover a stronger, more adaptable you that you didn't even know existed.

So, stop asking yourself, 'Am I suited for this?' Instead, ask yourself: 'What kind of person do I want to become?'

If you long for change, and yearn to see a wider world, then don't hesitate any longer.

That ocean is waiting for you.