Studying overseas is often talked about as an exciting, life-changing experience. Before coming to university, I heard a lot about independence, new opportunities and personal growth. While all of that is true to some extent, the reality has been much quieter and more complex than I expected. Being an international student hasn’t been a constant highlight reel, but it has been a meaningful chapter of my life.

I chose to study overseas because I wanted exposure to a different education system and the chance to grow outside of my comfort zone. The reality of being an international student set in quite early. Adjusting to a new country meant learning how to be comfortable with unfamiliar routines, teaching styles and expectations. There was no one around to fall back on for small things, whether that was cooking, managing finances or dealing with academic pressure. At times, the independence felt empowering. At other times, it felt isolating. Both experiences existed at the same time and learning to sit with that balance became part of the process.

Academically, studying overseas pushed me to be more proactive. Classes expected participation, self-discipline and initiative in a way I wasn’t fully used to. Outside the classroom, I found myself taking on responsibilities I might not have considered back home joining different societies, stepping into leadership roles and working with people from different cultural and academic backgrounds. These experiences didn’t happen overnight, but gradually, they shaped how I communicate, collaborate and handle uncertainty.

However, this journey came with costs that aren’t always talked about openly. The financial pressure of studying abroad is real, and it sits in the background of many decisions. Being far from home also means missing out on moments that matter such as family gatherings, celebrations (especially Chinese New Year!) or simply being present during difficult times. There’s an emotional weight that comes with constantly adapting to a place that isn’t quite home, even after you’ve been there for a while.

So, was it worth it? For me, I would do it over again and again. Studying overseas hasn’t been easy, and it hasn’t always been enjoyable. But it has helped me grow in ways I don’t think I would have experienced otherwise. It taught me how to be independent, how to manage discomfort and how to take responsibility for my own progress.

That said, studying overseas isn’t for everyone. If you value stability, closeness to family, or a familiar environment, staying closer to home might be the better choice and there’s nothing wrong with that. Choosing to study abroad requires a willingness to be uncomfortable, to spend time alone, and to learn through trial and error.

Looking back, my university experience overseas wasn’t about finding a better life, but learning how to navigate an unfamiliar one. Whether it’s worth it depends less on the destination and more on what you’re prepared to grow through along the way.