Top 10 Myths About Studying Abroad Debunked for Sri Lankan Families

Pooja
July 17, 2025
2:18 pm
8 min Read

Summary

Sri Lankan families often hesitate about studying abroad due to common myths—like high costs, visa rejections, or safety concerns. This guide busts 10 major misconceptions and highlights the truth about scholarships, career outcomes, language readiness, and emotional adjustment. From proving that average students can qualify to explaining how families stay connected, PFEC Sri Lanka empowers students and parents to plan their global education journey with clarity and confidence.

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You might feel excited about studying abroad, but also unsure. Is it safe? Can we afford it? Will it really help my future? These are real questions — and many Sri Lankan families ask them. Often, the doubts come from things people say: neighbours, relatives, or social media. But most of these are just old stories, not facts. At PFEC Sri Lanka, we’ve seen many students nearly give up because of wrong information. The truth is, studying abroad can be more possible than you think. Let’s clear up the most common study abroad myths Sri Lanka families hear — so you can plan with real confidence.

Myth #1: Only Rich Families Can Afford to Study Abroad

Many Sri Lankan families still believe that studying overseas is only for the wealthy. This is one of the biggest study abroad myths Sri Lanka students face — and it’s simply not true.

Today, more students from middle-income families are going abroad through smart financial planning. Here’s how they make it work:

Scholarships: Many universities offer merit-based and need-based scholarships.
Low Tuition Countries: Germany, Norway, and France have little to no tuition fees.
Part-Time Work: Students in Australia, the UK, and Canada can legally work during studies.
Education Loans: Most Sri Lankan banks offer student loans and overseas education funding.

Average Monthly Costs and Work Options:

Country	Avg. Living Cost (LKR)	Work Limit per Week	Key Benefits
Germany	85,000 – 110,000	20 hours	No tuition, English-taught courses
Canada	120,000 – 160,000	20 hours	Strong job market, PG work permits
Australia	130,000 – 170,000	24 hours	High hourly wages, PR pathways

Expert Tip: Focus on long-term value. Scholarships, work rights, and career options abroad often justify the initial cost.

Myth #2: Only Top Students Can Qualify

One of the most limiting international education misconceptions is that only high-achievers can study abroad. Most universities look beyond grades.

Here’s what admissions teams value:

A clear academic and career goal
English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL scores)
Extracurricular activities like volunteering, music, or sports
Leadership, resilience, or unique life stories
A strong Statement of Purpose (SOP) that shows growth

Students with average grades can also apply through:

Foundation programs or pathway courses
Diploma-to-degree tracks that ease academic pressure

Expert Tip: A strong personal story often outweighs perfect marks. With the right support, many students gain admission based on potential, not just percentages.

Myth #3: It’s Too Risky and Unsafe to Live Abroad

Many Sri Lankan families worry about student safety abroad. While the concern is understandable, the reality is more reassuring. Most countries that host international students prioritise safety and student support.

What makes it safer than you think:

University campuses have 24/7 security and ID-controlled access
Orientation sessions cover local laws, safety tips, and emergency contacts
Helplines are available for health, legal, or emotional support

International student offices help with housing, transport, and wellbeing

Safety at a Glance:

Country	Campus Security	Student Helplines	Global Safety Ranking (2024)
Canada	Yes	Yes (nationwide)	Top 10
Australia	Yes	Yes (by state)	Top 15
United Kingdom	Yes	Yes (university)	Top 20

Expert Tip: Ask your counselor to recommend study destinations with strong safety records. You can choose cities and campuses based on your comfort level.

Myth #4: Studying Abroad Will Delay Graduation

Many parents believe overseas study adds years to graduation. In most cases, it’s the opposite. Many global universities offer flexible, fast-paced academic models.

How students stay on track:

UK and Australia offer 3-year undergraduate programs
Some universities run trimester systems for quicker credit completion
Summer intakes and foundation pathways help students catch up or start early
Credit transfer options reduce repetition and save time

Typical Degree Timelines:

Country	Bachelor’s Duration	Fast-Track Options Available
UK	3 years	Yes (summer intake)
Australia	3 years	Yes (trimester system)
Canada	4 years	Yes (credit transfers)

Expert Tip: With proper course planning, your child can graduate on time or even earlier. PFEC Sri Lanka can help map out a timeline that aligns with your goals.

Myth #5: “My child won’t find scholarships or financial aid”

Many Sri Lankan families believe studying abroad is out of reach without full funding. This is a common study abroad myth in Sri Lanka. In reality, scholarships and financial support are more available than most expect.

Here’s what you should know:

Universities offer merit and need-based scholarships for international students
Some countries provide government-funded options based on destination or degree
Early bird discounts and tuition waivers reduce upfront costs
Private and bank-funded study loans are also available in Sri Lanka
PFEC counselors assist with scholarship planning and document preparation

Common Scholarship Options for Sri Lankan Students:

Scholarship Type	Who Can Apply	Common Destinations
Merit-based	High academic performers	UK, Australia, Canada
Need-based	Students with financial limitations	New Zealand, Germany
Country/University-specific	Based on course or intake	Ireland, Netherlands

Expert Tip: Start your planning early. Many scholarships close months before the intake begins. Early application improves your chances.

Myth #6: “Language will be a huge barrier”

Worrying about language is natural, especially for parents. But language support is stronger than ever, and most universities have systems in place to help international students succeed.

Here’s what helps Sri Lankan students adjust:

Most global universities offer programs entirely in English
IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE scores prove readiness for academic English
Language support services include writing centers, pronunciation labs, and peer tutoring
Multilingual student bodies create a supportive environment

Language and Support by Destination:

Destination	Teaching Language	Language Support Available
UK	English	Writing centers, academic mentors
Australia	English	Language labs, conversation workshops
Germany	English (some programs)	Pre-sessional English courses

Expert Tip: PFEC can guide you to language-friendly universities and provide pre-departure support so your child feels confident from day one.

Myth #7: “Living abroad is lonely. My child won’t adjust.”

It’s normal to worry about emotional adjustment, especially in a new environment. But the reality of 2025 student life abroad is far more welcoming than many families expect.

Modern campuses offer strong social and emotional support from day one:

Orientation programs help students settle in quickly
Cultural, religious, and regional student groups offer instant connection
Universities often pair international students with mentors or peer buddies
Student unions host regular events to build community
PFEC Sri Lanka shares adjustment tips and connects new students with alumni

Expert Tip: Most Sri Lankan student experience overseas reports show a strong sense of belonging within the first two months—especially when students engage early.

Myth #8: “Employers don’t really care about foreign degrees.”

This is one of the most persistent international education misconceptions. In reality, a foreign degree can strengthen a graduate’s career prospects both locally and globally.

Employers value more than academics. They also look for:

Global exposure and cultural intelligence
Confidence in English and cross-border teamwork
Initiative shown through independent living and part-time work abroad

What International Experience Signals to Employers:

Degree Benefit	Employer Perception
Global classroom exposure	Adaptable and collaborative
International internships	Industry-ready and proactive
Cross-cultural experience	Confident communicator
Tech-savvy learning methods	Future-focused and agile

Expert Tip: PFEC Sri Lanka FAQ guidance can help students connect their study path with real job opportunities—so every decision supports long-term success.

Myth #9: “It’s too hard to get a student visa from Sri Lanka”

Many families worry about visa rejections. But most denials happen due to incomplete or incorrect applications—not because the process is impossible.

Here’s what improves visa success:

Clear documentation of finances, SOPs, and university offer letters
Country-specific formats, like GTE for Australia or SDS for Canada
Timely medicals, biometrics, and interview readiness
Understanding the full process from start to finish

With proper preparation, the visa process is manageable.

Destination	Common Visa Route	Sri Lanka Approval Rates (2024)
Australia	Subclass 500 + GTE	85% (well-documented files)
Canada	SDS Stream	83% (with IELTS and GIC)
UK	Student Route Visa	90% (with CAS and proof of funds)

Expert Tip: PFEC Sri Lanka helps families organise paperwork, prepare strong applications, and stay updated at each step.

Myth #10: “Our child will lose touch with family back home”

This is a heartfelt concern for many Sri Lankan parents. But staying connected in 2025 is easier and more frequent than ever.

Here’s how families stay close, even across time zones:

Weekly video calls through Zoom, WhatsApp, or Viber
Family chats and photo sharing keep everyone in the loop
Students update parents regularly through routines and shared schedules
PFEC Sri Lanka virtual campus tour access helps parents feel involved early

Many students say their relationships with family improve, as communication becomes more intentional.

Expert Tip: Set a fixed call time each week. This builds routine, keeps emotions steady, and supports your child’s adjustment abroad.

Myths About Top Study Destinations (USA, UK, Canada)

Some myths are tied to specific countries. These often prevent families from considering great opportunities. Here’s the truth behind the most common concerns:

Myth	Reality
USA is too expensive for middle-income families	Scholarships, part-time jobs, and community colleges reduce total cost
UK degrees are too short to be useful	3-year UK degrees are globally recognised and save both time and money
Canada is too cold for Sri Lankan students	Cities are built for winter with heated transport, housing, and campuses
Post-study jobs are hard to find	Work visas like PSW and PGWP offer job access with university career support

Expert Tip: Focus on practical factors like tuition, work rights, and PR pathways. These shape your child’s return on investment more than weather or course length.

How PFEC Sri Lanka Supports Smarter Decisions

Studying abroad is a big step. PFEC Sri Lanka supports students and families with clear, honest guidance—not sales pressure.

Here’s how we help you move forward with confidence:

One-on-one counselling to explore options and correct common study abroad myths
Parent-focused webinars that explain visas, scholarships, and real career value
Country-specific advice for safety, living costs, and future work opportunities

PFEC Sri Lanka FAQ sessions where every question is welcome

Conclusion

Most fears about studying abroad come from misinformation, not reality. For many Sri Lankan families, it’s not money or paperwork that holds them back. It’s old beliefs that no longer match how global education works today.

When you replace myths with facts, your decisions become easier. A foreign degree is no longer just a dream. It’s a smart investment when planned well. With the right advice, support, and preparation, the Sri Lankan student experience overseas can be both successful and fulfilling.

Your child’s journey doesn’t start after the flight. It starts with informed choices. And you don’t have to do it alone.

FAQs

1. Is studying abroad too expensive for middle-class Sri Lankan families?

No. Scholarships, part-time jobs, and budgeting make it possible without large loans.

2. Do foreign universities only accept top-scoring students?

Not always. They consider extracurriculars, personal goals, essays, and language scores.

3. Will my child struggle to adjust to life overseas?

Most students adjust within weeks through support from mentors, clubs, and student services.

4. Does studying abroad delay graduation?

No. Many students graduate on time or earlier through flexible term options.

5. What support does PFEC Sri Lanka offer?

We offer PFEC Sri Lanka FAQ sessions, personal counselling, and guidance on courses, visas, and planning.