You Think Language is the Biggest Hurdle When Studying Abroad? Think Again!

Often, when people consider studying abroad, a nagging question pops up in their minds: 'Am I truly cut out for this?'

We worry our language skills aren't up to par, or our personality isn't outgoing enough. We fear wilting like an uprooted plant in unfamiliar soil. We stand on the shore, gazing at the immense ocean of studying abroad, torn between desire and dread, hesitant 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?

Studying Abroad is Like Learning to Swim: It's Not About Your Strokes, But Your Courage to Get in the Water

Picture this: you want to learn how to swim in the sea.

You could read every swimming instruction book cover to cover, and perfect your freestyle and breaststroke movements on dry land. But unless you dare to jump into the water, you'll never truly learn to swim.

Studying abroad is that ocean, and language proficiency is merely your swimming technique.

The people truly 'unsuited' for studying abroad aren't those with unrefined 'swimming strokes,' but those who stand on the shore, perpetually unwilling to get themselves wet. They fear the cold water (cultural shock), worry about looking awkward while swimming (fear of embarrassment), or perhaps they don't even know why they need to get into the water in the first place (unclear objectives).

They remain on the comfortable sandy beach, watching others ride the waves, ultimately learning nothing and returning home covered in sand.

Those who truly return enriched are the ones who bravely take the leap. They might swallow some water (make mistakes or say something inappropriate), or get knocked down by waves (face difficulties), but it's through these repeated struggles that they feel the water's buoyancy, learn to navigate the currents, and eventually discover a vibrant, new world beneath the surface.

So, the fundamental question shifts. It's no longer, 'Am I good enough?', but 'Do I dare to take the plunge?'

How to Transform from a 'Shore Spectator' into a 'Brave Swimmer'?

Rather than compile a list of negative labels like 'unsuitable for studying abroad,' let's instead look at how a brave 'swimmer' thinks.

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

Those on the shore will grumble: 'The water's too cold! The waves are too big! It's nothing like our swimming pool back home!' They might find foreign washrooms unclean, the food unfamiliar, or people's habits peculiar.

Swimmers, however, understand that: This is simply the ocean in its natural state.

They don't expect the ocean to change for them; instead, they learn to adapt to its rhythm. If security is an issue, they learn to protect themselves; if the local cuisine doesn't suit them, they find an Asian supermarket and cook their own meals. They understand that adapting to local ways isn't a compromise but the first lesson in thriving in a new environment. Only by respecting the rules of this ocean can you truly enjoy it.

2. Get Moving First, Then Aim for Grace

Many hesitate to speak a foreign language, just as they might fear being ridiculed for imperfect swimming strokes. We often wait for our grammar and pronunciation to be perfect before speaking, which often results in us remaining 'invisible' in class for an entire semester.

Look at your classmates from South America; even if their grammar might be all over the place, they confidently speak up. They're like people who've just entered the water—they don't care about their posture; they just focus on paddling for dear life. And the result? They make the quickest progress.

Remember, in the learning process, 'making mistakes' is not a source of shame; it's the only path to growth. Your goal isn't to swim at an Olympic gold medal level on day one, but simply to get yourself moving and stay afloat.

If you're truly afraid to speak up, perhaps find a 'life buoy' first. For instance, a chat app like Lingogram with its built-in AI real-time translation can help you muster the courage to interact with people worldwide. It can help you overcome the fear of communication, and once you build confidence, you can gradually let go of your 'life buoy' and swim further on your own.

3. Know Which Horizon You Want to Swim Towards

Some pursue overseas education simply because 'it's what everyone else is doing' or 'to improve their English.' This is like someone jumping into the sea without knowing where to swim. They'll easily drift aimlessly, feel disoriented, and eventually climb back to shore, utterly exhausted.

A wise swimmer knows their objective even before getting into the water.

'I want to master English so I can comprehend the latest scientific research papers.' 'I want to experience different cultures to break free from my own conventional thinking.' 'I want to secure this degree to enter a specific industry upon returning home.'

A clear objective is your lighthouse in the open sea. It gives you the impetus to push through when you face difficulties, ensuring you know that every step you take is moving you closer to that dream horizon.

It's Not That You're 'Unsuited'; You Simply Need to Make a 'Decision'

At the end of the day, there's no one inherently 'suited' or 'unsuited' for studying abroad.

Studying abroad isn't an eligibility test; it's an invitation for self-reinvention. Its greatest benefit is offering you an opportunity to dismantle all your past negative self-perceptions and to discover a more resilient, adaptable version of yourself that you didn't even know existed.

So, stop asking yourself, 'Am I suitable?'

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 awaits you.