Cons of Studying Overseas

SOMEONE: I'm studying overseas.

PEOPLE: Woaaahhh.... *impressed, admire*

No. I am not the 'someone' who has gone to embark a larger-than-life experience of studying overseas.
I am one of those 'people' who would be impressed and admire those who do that.

Despite being impressed,
I've made up my mind that I would NOT want to study overseas.

Let's round up the 4 vital barriers for me to studying overseas:


1. COST OF LIVING IS HIGH

I am not a wealthy human being with unlimited cash in her bank accounts and 4-years-old wallet.

Sure, there are scholarships.

But Malaysia's currency is nothing much compared to other countries'.

Any mediocre amount of money will not be sufficient enough when currencies are converted.

I know, I should learn to be frugal and all...

But would I really want a life surviving ONLY out of instant noodles and cheap food?

[Good food is a priority in my budget]

Because I assure you, I'm the kind who loves to splurge when I can ;)

2. FOREIGN PEOPLE AND PLACES

Yes, I should open up my world more- Explore new places and meet new people.

But I am terrified.

Wouldn't it be difficult to get around if I have to ask for help?

Get easily lost because roads and places are so unfamiliar to me?

I would have NO IDEA where I'm at in the world too, right?!

No, thank you.

I haven't even explored the depths of Malaysia

and I'm far off from having the 24 million population of Malaysians in my social network.

Home country has enough places and people for my liking.

3. FAR AWAY FROM PEOPLE THAT MATTERS

I'm not really 'anak emas mak' that can't stand to be away from home.

In fact, my second home is in a different state- Lendu is where I'm studying.

I can handle distance from family and friends.

But to be on different continents, it's a different story.

Yes, there's Skype, Facebook etc to keep in touch.

While my families aren't really the most active social networkers [You don't expect my grandparents to often be on Skype, right?],

NOTHING can beat a simple lunch with family-friends face-to-face.

Being too far from people that matters,

I might have the risk of inventing 78970742047291243 imaginary friends for my own comfort,

or any additional psychological illnesses.

I might even get multiple personality disorders and re-enact myself as my mother, sister, brother, cousin, friends, grandparents etc just to keep me company.

Finally, the most important factor of all...!

4. FOOD COMPLICATIONS

The whole halal/ non-halal issue can really freak me out.

It could be a chicken, but not slaughtered in the way of Islam.

It could be tantalizing fish, but mixed with a slight hint of alcohol.

I cannot imagine the torture of passing by McDonalds,

staring longingly the whole day at people eating juicy burgers-

AND I CAN'T EAT IT BECAUSE I'M TOO SCARED.

I can imagine myself running like a mad woman from McDonalds,

dropped out of college and give up on life,

fly back to Malaysia just to chow down on McD's Double Cheeseburger with no pickles.

Yes, I would give up on life if I don't get regular burgers in my diet.

Most would advice to study overseas because it would be a great journey with larger-than-life experience.
And it leads to a brighter future.

But I'm not strong enough to make these sacrifices.
I may be able to achieve more overseas, but I don't think I'd be as happy.


CONCLUSION:

Overseas = Bright Future!

Malaysia = ... Dim Future?

Haha.
I'm contented enough to settle with the 'dim future'.
Malaysia's 'dim future' is bright enough for me anyway. Lol.