“Following the crowd” in studying abroad means seeing others choose a particular country, school, or major and then applying to the same one. While it may seem convenient and trendy, the risks are obvious: the child may not be suited, the money spent may not meet expectations, and the degree and experience may not be relevant upon returning home. As parents or students, before making a decision, put aside concerns about “face” and “conformity” and ask yourself several practical questions: What does the child truly enjoy? What costs can the family afford? What future career path do they want? Avoiding following the crowd doesn’t mean rejecting others’ experiences, but rather turning their successes or failures into valuable information for your own decision-making.
Clarify the Child’s Interests and Abilities
Many decisions based on following the crowd stem from the mindset of “I’ll do what others do.” Stop and ask two questions: What does the child enjoy learning? What kind of educational model suits the child’s personality, language skills, and learning habits? Interest determines motivation, and ability determines feasibility. Make the goals specific—is it for academic advancement, career preparation, language improvement, or life experience? Different goals correspond to different countries, different types of schools, and different programs.
Assessing the Match Between School and Program
While prestigious universities are attractive, they are not the only criterion. Consider the program’s strength, curriculum, teaching methods, faculty resources, and practical opportunities. For example, a school might rank highly in business, but if your child wants to study art or engineering, reputation isn’t the most crucial factor. Also consider the language of instruction, program length, internship and employment support, and post-graduation recognition. Matching the “school-program-student” relationship is more effective than simply looking at rankings or “popular countries.”
How to get real information
The source of information determines the quality of your judgment. Besides consulting agencies and reviewing admissions materials, try to obtain more objective information from sources such as the school’s official website’s course syllabus, faculty profiles, international student services pages, reports from third-party educational evaluation agencies, genuine feedback from current students, and statements from embassies, consulates, or education authorities. Attending university open days, online information sessions, or industry forums can also provide direct access to authoritative voices. Be wary of promotional statements that sound appealing; verifying the school’s accreditation and program details is the right approach.
Financial and Cost Estimates
Study abroad costs include more than just tuition; they also include living expenses, insurance, visa fees, round-trip airfare, and language and adaptation course fees. These vary significantly between countries and cities, so it’s essential to have a long-term budget and contingency reserves. Currency risks and family cash flow must also be considered: is tuition paid in a lump sum or per semester/year? Are scholarships or grants available? Is part-time work permitted to support living expenses? Practical financial planning can prevent financial pressure later due to following trends.
Language and Adaptability Preparation
Language is not just about understanding in class; it also affects daily life, interpersonal communication, and psychological adaptation. Assess your child’s language proficiency: does a foundation course or language program be necessary? Can they adapt to daily communication in a country where the language is less commonly spoken? How tolerant are they of cultural differences? If your child is introverted or has low stress tolerance, choosing a school with a more welcoming community and stronger language support may be a safer option. Pre-departure cultural and psychological adaptation training will make the study abroad experience smoother.
Family Communication and Decision-Making Mechanisms
Important decisions should involve all family members: create a list of acceptable countries, budget limits, academic and career goals, etc. Establish a decision-making timeline and evaluation criteria (e.g., academic fit ≥ X, cost ≤ Y, post-graduation recognition in the home country must meet Z). If the child is an adult and has clear ideas, give them space to express themselves and make decisions; if the child is immature, parents need to balance protection and letting go. Making the process transparent can reduce conflicts and regrets later when problems arise.
Develop backup plans and manage risks
Even if the goal is clear, it is recommended to prepare 1-2 backup plans: different countries or different types of institutions as backups. Consider the possibility of unsatisfactory application results or visa restrictions, and prepare language enhancement plans, domestic university pathways, or domestic alternatives in advance. Clarifying how to deal with unforeseen events (such as visa extensions or changes in family finances) can significantly reduce anxiety.
Use professional consultation correctly
Professional study abroad consultants, school admissions officers, and academic mentors can provide valuable information and advice, but don’t relinquish all decision-making power. Good consultants will help you verify information, optimize application materials, and point out risks; however, parents and children should retain the final judgment, comparing the consultation results with family goals to make a choice that suits their actual situation. You can learn more about studying abroad at the 2026 Wise Shanghai Overseas Property, Immigration and Study Abroad Exhibition, March 29-31, 2026.
Clearly define your goals, assess suitability, verify information, calculate costs, prepare language and adaptation training, and make joint family decisions and prepare alternative plans. Use others’ experiences as a reference, not as a template; let rationality outweigh conformity, and let suitability outweigh reputation. Studying abroad is an investment and a part of life. The most successful cases are usually not those who blindly follow trends, but those families who consider their child’s interests, abilities, family conditions, and future plans. Doing so can reduce risks and make children feel safer and have more room to grow in their new environment.
