What No One Tells You About Studying Abroad: Honest Realities and Unexpected Growth

In Nigeria and across much of Africa, “japa” is more than a word. It is a plan, a prayer point, and for many young people, a vision for the future. Studying abroad often sits at the center of that vision. It is painted as the ultimate dream: world-class education, new cities, exciting opportunities, and a life that finally feels “sorted.” From acceptance emails to visa approvals, even after rejections, the journey appears like an upward climb. 

But what many people don’t talk about is everything that begins after the celebration. The truth is, studying abroad can be deeply rewarding. For many, it feels like relief, an escape from the chaos of non-functional systems into a new reality where structures work as they should. Yet, alongside that relief comes a different kind of challenge. Studying abroad is also stretching, humbling, and deeply formative in ways you don’t always anticipate.

Pre-Departure Hurdles 

Before the journey even begins, pre-departure hurdles can be daunting. Visa applications often involve rigorous scrutiny, requiring original documents, and proof of financial stability. Researching destination-specific requirements early, such as through official embassy websites, can prevent costly delays.

One of the first things no one tells you is that excitement and fear can exist at the same time. You can be grateful for the opportunity and still feel overwhelmed. Moving to a new country means relearning how to exist: how to ask questions, navigate systems, adjust to new cultures, advocate for yourself, and sometimes sit with loneliness without letting it define you. Culture shock doesn’t always arrive loudly. Sometimes it shows up quietly in missed social cues, unfamiliar academic expectations, or the exhaustion of constantly explaining where you’re from. 

Social and Cultural Challenges

Additionally, navigating racial dynamics can be an unspoken hurdle, especially for African students facing stereotypes, microaggressions, or unequal treatment in housing and social settings. Preparing by researching the social climate of your destination country and connecting with African diaspora groups or organizations like the African Students Association can provide essential support.

Financial planning doesn’t end with securing funding. Even with fully funded offers, there are hidden and ongoing costs, such as housing deposits, winter clothing, transportation, health insurance add-ons, and emergency expenses. Learning to budget in a new economy, often with limited work options, is a skill you need to develop quickly.

No one really prepares you for how much mental space money can occupy when you’re far from home. Practical tips include building a 3-6 month emergency fund and exploring visa-compliant part-time jobs, such as on-campus roles limited to specific working hours.

Academic and Professional Realities

Academically, studying abroad demands more than brilliance; it requires adaptability. Teaching styles differ. Participation expectations change. Writing standards may feel unfamiliar, often emphasizing formats like APA or MLA citations. Many students experience imposter syndrome, quietly wondering if they truly belong in rooms filled with high-achieving peers from around the world. 

What helps is remembering that your admission was not an accident. You were selected because you are capable, even when the learning curve feels steep. To prepare, consider online courses to practice these skills in advance.

Emotional and Mental Health

Then there’s the emotional side that rarely makes it to social media. Homesickness is real, even for the most independent people—over 70% of international students report experiencing it in their first year. You miss birthdays, weddings, and everyday moments that once felt ordinary. Difference in time zones may also complicate connections.

Prioritizing mental health is crucial. Resources like university counseling services, apps such as Calm or Headspace, or even scheduling regular WhatsApp check-ins with friends and relatives can make a significant difference.

Personal Growth and Transformation

What no one tells you is how much studying abroad changes you. You become more self-aware. You learn resilience in practical ways, figuring things out when no one is coming to rescue you. You gain clarity about what you value, what you can tolerate, and the kind of future you want to build. 

Growth often happens in uncomfortable spaces, long before it shows up as a visible achievement. For instance, a scholarship recipient shared how adapting to a harsh winter in Canada taught them not just survival skills but also the value of perseverance in their personal and academic pursuits.

Perhaps the most important truth is that you do not have to do it alone. Mentorship, community, and support systems make a difference. Conversations with people who have gone ahead of you can save you from costly mistakes and unnecessary discouragement. This is why initiatives such as the Michael Taiwo Scholarships exist, not just to help people get in through funding for standardized tests and applications, but to keep them grounded, informed, and supported with ongoing mentorship along the way. 

Conclusion

Studying abroad is not just a destination; it is a journey of becoming. It will test you, teach you, and transform you, sometimes all at once. Knowing the realities ahead doesn’t take away from the beauty of the experience; it equips you to walk through it with wisdom, courage, and grace. 

If you’re on this path or considering it, know that the challenges are real, but so is the growth, and you are more prepared than you think.