Many students from Bangladesh dream of pursuing higher education abroad. The journey often begins with a suggestion from a teacher or family member who keeps mentioning a cousin studying in Canada. Before you know it, you’re knee-deep in Google searches, trying to turn this idea into reality.

Without missing a beat, you find yourself juggling coaching classes, application deadlines, and endless paperwork. Meanwhile, your brain scrambles to make sense of it all. It’s completely natural to feel overwhelmed.

Even more so when everyone around you is focused on the same four countries— the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. Your cousin went there and succeeded. That influencer you follow did the same and changed their life. You feel compelled to follow in their footsteps.

But should you?

Think about this: If a city is already crowded with ambitious, skilled, and determined individuals like you, your chances of standing out become slimmer.

So, university rankings shouldn’t be your only concern. You need to consider where you can get the most value for your time, money, and effort. A destination that truly values you can make a huge difference in your career and overall life experience.

Common Misconceptions About Studying Abroad

You don’t want to be one of those students who go abroad with big dreams only to become overwhelmed and struggle. If you think studying abroad is as simple as getting into a university, earning a foreign degree, and securing a great job—you might be in for a rude awakening.

Most students realize these misconceptions too late. They get blindsided by expenses, job market struggles, and even immigration hurdles. Let’s examine some of the most dangerous misconceptions so you can avoid these pitfalls.

Misconception #1: The hardest part is getting accepted

Many students believe, “Once I get accepted, everything else will fall into place.” Unfortunately, that’s not true. Getting into a university is just the beginning—it’s not even the hardest part.

Funding is a continuous struggle. Most students only focus on tuition fees, but living expenses—rent, food, visa fees, and health insurance—quickly add up. Even a 50% scholarship might still leave you with thousands of dollars in expenses every year.

The real challenge isn’t securing admission—it’s surviving and thriving in that environment.

Misconception #2: A foreign degree guarantees a great career

A degree from a Western university doesn’t automatically land you a high-paying job. The reality is far more complicated.

• Work visas are unpredictable: Even if a country offers a post-study work visa, that doesn’t guarantee you’ll secure long-term employment. The UK, for example, provides a two-year work visa, but those years pass quickly. In the US, you need to win an H-1B visa lottery to stay.
• Job markets are oversaturated: Countries like Canada and Australia have a massive influx of international students competing for the same limited job opportunities.

The Hidden Costs of Popular Study Destinations—Look for Alternatives

It’s easy to add up tuition and rent, but that won’t even come close to your actual expenses. Many students find themselves struggling financially because of unexpected costs.

• High living expenses: Rent in major cities like London, Toronto, or Sydney is outrageously high. Even with a part-time job, covering food, transport, and health insurance can be a challenge.
• Visa and immigration hurdles: Study visas are never guaranteed. Some countries demand proof of financial support, while others have costly renewals and work restrictions.

Instead, you could explore alternative destinations. Countries like Antigua, for instance, have more student-friendly policies, fewer immigration barriers, and affordable living costs.

Choosing a Destination That Actually Works for You

By now, it should be clear that the most popular choices may not necessarily be the best fit for you. Many major destinations are overcrowded, competitive, and financially draining. Not all countries are welcoming to international students either.

Here are some key factors to consider before making a final decision:

1. Is It Financially Sustainable?

• Long-term affordability: If a country has high tuition fees and high living costs, you’ll constantly feel financial pressure. You may end up prioritizing earning money over focusing on your studies.
• Part-time job availability: Finding a decent part-time job is difficult, especially in highly competitive job markets like Canada and the US. Work-hour restrictions make it even harder.

Again, Antigua provides solutions to both issues. It offers an affordable cost of living and lower tuition fees, alongside more flexibility in post-graduation job opportunities.

2. What Are the Career & Residency Prospects?

• Work permits are competitive: Even with a post-study work visa, surviving in a major city without employer sponsorship is tough.
• Oversaturated job markets: The best way to assess a country’s job market is to ask whether there’s room for growth. You don’t want to be just another applicant among millions trying to make it in the US or Canada.
• Unclear residency pathways: Permanent residency can be challenging to obtain in countries like the US, UK, Canada, or Australia. These processes often require years of proof, sponsorships, or high income levels—things most fresh graduates don’t have.

Compare these struggles to smaller nations like Antigua, where policies are designed to integrate international students into the workforce. Having clearer career pathways is a huge advantage.

3. Will You Thrive There?

Some cities, like Toronto or New York, come with their own challenges—harsh winters, high costs, and isolation. A more relaxed and welcoming environment might be a better fit.

• Does the country’s policies support international students?
• Will you receive adequate career support?
• Are there student communities to help you adapt?

Antigua stands out in all these aspects. With its lower cost of living, English-speaking environment, and strong student support, it’s not just a place to study—it’s a potential long-term home.

Rethink What “Best” Really Means

You can only make a smart decision after considering all these factors and relating them to your personal circumstances. If you’re looking for a strong academic experience, lower living costs, and a career-friendly environment, Antigua emerges as a practical and accessible alternative.

Countries like Antigua may not be your first choice or the most popular option, but they check the crucial boxes and are welcoming to students from diverse backgrounds.

To Wrap It Up

Once you’ve chosen a country and university, you’ll need a much bigger guide to navigate the application process. But before you even get there, you must focus on affordability, work opportunities, and long-term success.

Just getting there won’t guarantee success—you need to ensure it’s the right move for you.