For many Indian students, the prospect of studying abroad is closely tied to proficiency in English. Yet, fluency in the language is only one piece of the puzzle. In addition to having a good command over language, changes in the way academics are approached, cultural differences, and daily life changes are also a part of the bigger picture. Mishthi Mittal, a first-year Bachelor of Commerce student at the University of Sydney , shares her experience to help aspiring international students navigate this transition.
Myth vs. reality
"A common myth is that studying abroad will be easy if you’re fluent in English. But beyond language, there’s a cultural shift in how people think, interact, even approach academics. That takes getting used to," Mishthi shares. For students arriving from other countries, this means unlearning habits formed in memorisation-focused classrooms and embracing a system that prioritises critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical application.
The academic adjustment, she says, can feel significant. In Sydney, learning revolves around essay writing, real-world case studies, and independent research. Support systems such as the Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) programme, along with approachable and responsive tutors, help ease this transition. For Mishthi, these resources turned an initially daunting shift into a more structured journey.
Settling in: Culture, social life, and support networks
It is very important for a person to be socially adjusted. For instance Mishthi remembers her first few weeks to be a combination of eagerness and anxiety. Even small things like shops closing earlier than usual and the town being quieter were signs that life goes on differently in a foreign country. Homesickness crept in, particularly during festivals, but regular calls with her family helped.
Orientation week and pre-departure events helped students build early connections. Meeting peers before arrival and participating in organised social activities made it easier to integrate and feel part of the university community. Mishthi emphasises that forming relationships early can be crucial to feeling less isolated in a new country.
Academic choices and admissions
When shortlisting universities, Mishthi prioritised institutions offering strong commerce programmes and global exposure. The University of Sydney appealed due to its high rankings, industry connections, and academic reputation, she explains. Her application process was based on Class 12 marks and International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores.
Managing finances and practicalities
To study abroad, one must plan their finances carefully. Mishthi’s three-year course costs AUD 43,000, and the monthly living expenses vary from AUD 2,500 to 3,500. She was given a 20% grant of aid consequent to her personal cover letter submission, which took a massive load off her budget.
Accommodation is another critical consideration. Mishthi lives in a five-bedroom apartment at Sydney University Village, paying AUD 456 per week. She advises aspiring students to prioritise locations close to public transport, inspect properties carefully, and be cautious of online scams. Managing daily expenses through cooking, using discounted student transport cards, and budgeting apps can make life abroad more sustainable.
Looking ahead: Career preparation
Though she has not done any internships or part-time work, Mishthi has already started to explore the University of Sydney’s CareerHub and Job Smart programmes as potential opportunities. These platforms, combined with career counselling, workshops, and networking events, provide students with a systematic route to pursue a professional career. International students who start their preparation early can enter the highly competitive job market with confidence.
Advice for aspiring students
“It’s okay to not have everything figured out right away,” Mishthi says. She also mentions that getting settled while studying abroad is a process, and small steps like reaching out to seniors, becoming a member of online student groups, and attending pre-departure events can really help you.
Her experience serves as a source of reassurance for students preparing to study abroad. Fluency in English is essential, but success abroad depends on accepting and understanding the academic, cultural, social, and financial realities with curiosity and resilience.
Myth vs. reality
"A common myth is that studying abroad will be easy if you’re fluent in English. But beyond language, there’s a cultural shift in how people think, interact, even approach academics. That takes getting used to," Mishthi shares. For students arriving from other countries, this means unlearning habits formed in memorisation-focused classrooms and embracing a system that prioritises critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical application.
The academic adjustment, she says, can feel significant. In Sydney, learning revolves around essay writing, real-world case studies, and independent research. Support systems such as the Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) programme, along with approachable and responsive tutors, help ease this transition. For Mishthi, these resources turned an initially daunting shift into a more structured journey.
Settling in: Culture, social life, and support networks
It is very important for a person to be socially adjusted. For instance Mishthi remembers her first few weeks to be a combination of eagerness and anxiety. Even small things like shops closing earlier than usual and the town being quieter were signs that life goes on differently in a foreign country. Homesickness crept in, particularly during festivals, but regular calls with her family helped.
Orientation week and pre-departure events helped students build early connections. Meeting peers before arrival and participating in organised social activities made it easier to integrate and feel part of the university community. Mishthi emphasises that forming relationships early can be crucial to feeling less isolated in a new country.
Academic choices and admissions
When shortlisting universities, Mishthi prioritised institutions offering strong commerce programmes and global exposure. The University of Sydney appealed due to its high rankings, industry connections, and academic reputation, she explains. Her application process was based on Class 12 marks and International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores.
Managing finances and practicalities
To study abroad, one must plan their finances carefully. Mishthi’s three-year course costs AUD 43,000, and the monthly living expenses vary from AUD 2,500 to 3,500. She was given a 20% grant of aid consequent to her personal cover letter submission, which took a massive load off her budget.
Accommodation is another critical consideration. Mishthi lives in a five-bedroom apartment at Sydney University Village, paying AUD 456 per week. She advises aspiring students to prioritise locations close to public transport, inspect properties carefully, and be cautious of online scams. Managing daily expenses through cooking, using discounted student transport cards, and budgeting apps can make life abroad more sustainable.
Looking ahead: Career preparation
Though she has not done any internships or part-time work, Mishthi has already started to explore the University of Sydney’s CareerHub and Job Smart programmes as potential opportunities. These platforms, combined with career counselling, workshops, and networking events, provide students with a systematic route to pursue a professional career. International students who start their preparation early can enter the highly competitive job market with confidence.
Advice for aspiring students
“It’s okay to not have everything figured out right away,” Mishthi says. She also mentions that getting settled while studying abroad is a process, and small steps like reaching out to seniors, becoming a member of online student groups, and attending pre-departure events can really help you.
Her experience serves as a source of reassurance for students preparing to study abroad. Fluency in English is essential, but success abroad depends on accepting and understanding the academic, cultural, social, and financial realities with curiosity and resilience.
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