There are a number of misconceptions about study abroad that make it seems like it's not an option. See what our alumni have to say about these myths below! Still worried? Make an appointment with a Peer Advisor or Study Abroad Ambassador to discuss what it's really like.
Myth #1: I can’t afford to study abroad!
Fact: You can almost always use financial aid to study abroad, and there are lots of scholarships out there! Temple University awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in study abroad scholarships last year—and that’s just part of the funding available.
Thanks to the Institute of International Education’s Gilman Scholarship, paying for my program was easy. This was one of the first scholarships I had ever applied for, and I was overjoyed when I learned that I won. Applying for scholarships was not very difficult, and it is all definitely worth it in the end.
Jeta
Spanish, Public Relations
Mexico, Argentina & Peru
Myth #2: I’m not interested in Tokyo, Rome, or London, so there’s not a study abroad option for me.
Fact: From Argentina to New Zealand, Temple students can go almost anywhere—we’ll help you find a program that’s right for you!
It is hard to put into words the impact South Africa has had on me. This experience was a dream come true and it has made me grow as a person in more ways than I could have possibly imagined.
Vanja
Psychology
Cape Town, South Africa
Myth #3: Studying abroad isn’t offered in my major.
Fact: With the right plan and the right program, students from any major can study abroad.
This experience will affect my future because I am going to make sure that when I become a teacher, I teach my students about Africa and my experience and how it is not what they may think.
Shardea
Early Childhood Education
Legon, Ghana
Myth #4: I can’t study abroad because I’d miss home too much.
Fact: Studying abroad is an opportunity not only to make new friends, but to challenge yourself and find out what you’re capable of accomplishing.
One big fear I had before going abroad was simply leaving my comfort zone and my family and friends, but I have learned that when you meet new people and live in new places, you create new comfort zones. Now I feel like I have two families: my American family and friends, and all of the Chilean friends and mentors.
Nick
International Business/Economics
Santiago, Chile
Myth #5: I can’t study abroad because of the language barrier.
Fact: Hundreds of programs all over the world—even in non-English-speaking countries— offer courses taught in English.
Don’t let your fears of not knowing the language or other things keep you from reaching out and speaking to the local sitting next to you. You never know--a simple conversation, even if it’s filled with a lot of gesturing and nervous laughs-- could open up a whole new set of doors for you.
Sade
Graphic Design
Rome, Italy
Myth #6: I don’t have time to study abroad! It’s easier and just as good to travel as a tourist over the summer or after I graduate.
Fact: Studying abroad isn’t the same as being a tourist. When you study abroad, you don’t just observe your host culture, you live it. There’s no better time than now, while you can earn credit and use financial aid!
Living in Tokyo is not like taking a vacation. Being there for several months means you get immersed in the culture and start living life the Japanese way. I would not trade this experience for anything; it was truly a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience Japanese culture firsthand.
Erin
Graphic Design
Tokyo, Japan
Myth #7: I won't graduate on time!
Study abroad and fly in 4 work well together. Follow our steps to study abroad and graduate on time.