Answering the Top 10 Questions Every International Student Has
International Students
Your Honest Guide for First-Time International Students from India
So, you're thinking about studying abroad? Or maybe your admission letter is already sitting proudly on your desk. Either way, if you're like most Indian students stepping into the world of international education, your mind’s probably racing with a thousand questions — some exciting, others just plain stressful.
We get it. Between family expectations, budget worries, and those endless visa forms, the whole journey can feel like boarding a flight without knowing the destination.
Let’s break it down. Here are the top 10 questions every international student asks — answered straight, no jargon. Think of this as your personal guide with a friendly nudge of real talk.
1️⃣ How Do I Choose the Right Country for My Studies?
Here's the thing — it’s tempting to pick a country because everyone’s talking about it on Instagram or because your cousin said “Bro, Canada is chill!” But what works for them may not work for you.
✅ Consider these factors:
Course reputation (not just university ranking)
Post-study work opportunities
Living costs (spoiler: they’re rarely as low as Google suggests)
Community support — is there a solid Indian student community?
Long-term career prospects
And hey, don’t forget your personal vibe. If you hate cold weather, maybe rethink that dream of Norway.
2️⃣ What’s the Real Cost of Studying Abroad — Beyond Tuition Fees?
Let me explain. Your tuition fees are just the ticket price. The real “cost of living” ride includes:
Rent (student dorms or off-campus)
Food (cooking vs. eating out makes a huge difference)
Health insurance (mandatory in many countries)
Transport (monthly passes, occasional Uber splurges)
Academic materials (yes, textbooks still cost a bomb)
💡 Pro Tip: Always check the average living expenses on official university websites — not random forums.
3️⃣ Is It Hard to Get a Student Visa?
Short answer — not if you’re prepared.
Student visas are pretty straightforward if you have:
Genuine admission from a recognized institution
Proof of funds (and yes, sometimes even a blocked account)
A clean financial and personal record
Tidy paperwork — no missing signatures or blurry scans
Some countries are stricter than others, but honestly, most rejections happen because of careless documentation. So, double-check everything. Then check again.
4️⃣ Can I Work While Studying Abroad?
Oh yes, but with rules.
Most countries allow students to work part-time — usually up to 20 hours a week during semesters and full-time during breaks.
But here’s what they don’t tell you:
Some jobs require local language skills
Campus jobs are often competitive
Off-campus jobs may need additional permits
Working part-time can help cover living expenses but rarely tuition. Think of it more as pocket money than a financial lifeline.
5️⃣ What If I Can’t Afford It? Are Education Loans Really Worth It?
Honestly, this is the biggie.
International education isn’t cheap, and most families can’t fund it out of pocket. That’s where next-gen student loan services like Prodigy Finance come in — they’re designed for students like you.
✅ Why they make sense:
No collateral needed (unlike traditional loans in India)
Loans based on your future earning potential, not family assets
Flexible repayment plans
💡 Heads-up: Always check the interest rates, hidden fees, and repayment terms. A smartly chosen loan can make the dream possible without wrecking your financial future.
6️⃣ What Are My Accommodation Options?
Let’s break this down:
On-campus housing: Convenient but can be pricey
Off-campus rentals: More freedom, but more responsibility
Shared apartments: Budget-friendly and… sometimes chaotic
Homestays: Great for cultural exposure, not for party animals
Your choice depends on your budget, personality, and how much you value privacy. And trust me, finding roommates is a whole other adventure.
7️⃣ How Do I Adjust to a New Culture Without Losing Myself?
This isn’t talked about enough. Culture shock is real.
From food habits and academic styles to social etiquette — things will feel alien at first. But here’s the kicker: you don’t have to lose your identity to fit in.
✅ Join student communities
✅ Learn local customs (small things like greetings or punctuality)
✅ Stay connected with home — regular calls, not just Instagram reels
✅ Give yourself time — adjustment isn’t a race
And remember, every international student feels out of place in the beginning. You’re not alone.
8️⃣ Will Studying Abroad Really Help My Career?
Let’s be honest — a foreign degree isn’t a magic ticket.
But it does open doors:
Global networks
Exposure to international work cultures
Potential for higher salaries (eventually)
Opportunities with multinational companies
However, it’s up to you to leverage it. Internships, networking events, and part-time jobs matter as much as your grades. A degree is just the start.
9️⃣ What Happens After I Graduate? Can I Stay Abroad?
Ah, the post-study work dilemma.
Most countries offer some form of post-study work visa — often for 1–3 years. During this period, you can:
Look for jobs
Apply for permanent residency (PR) if eligible
Gain practical experience related to your studies
💡 Hot tip: Check post-study work policies before you enroll. They change often, and staying informed can make or break your post-grad plans.
🔟 What If I Face Problems While Abroad? Who Do I Turn To?
Nobody likes to think about this — but you should.
If you hit a snag (be it financial, legal, or emotional), here’s who you can reach out to:
University support services (they usually have counseling, legal aid, etc.)
Local Indian communities and student groups
Your country’s embassy or consulate
And honestly, sometimes just talking to a fellow student over coffee can help more than you’d think.
The Bigger Picture: Why Asking Questions Makes You Stronger
You know what? Asking these questions doesn’t make you naive — it makes you prepared.
Studying abroad is more than a degree; it’s a life-changing experience. It tests your resilience, teaches you independence, and opens your world in ways you can’t imagine.
Whether you’re figuring out your finances, stressing over cultural differences, or just wondering if you packed the right adapter — you’re growing with every choice you make.
Bonus Tip: Bookmark These Resources Before You Pack
✔️ Prodigy Finance — For student loans without collateral
✔️ University’s official international student office page
✔️ Local embassy or consulate website
✔️ Trusted student forums (but beware of misinformation)
Final Words — It’s Okay Not to Have All the Answers
Seriously. You’ll figure things out along the way, like every international student before you. Some days you’ll feel on top of the world; other days, ramen noodles will be your best friend.
But in the end? It’s all worth it.
So go on — ask your questions, make your plans, and don’t let fear hold you back.
Your journey starts now.
Got questions about student loans or international study?
Check out Prodigy Finance — they’ve got answers you won’t find on random blogs.