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Just finished my first year studying Computer Science in Canada, and I've been getting lots of DMs asking if studying abroad is "worth it." Instead of giving the usual generic response, let me share what it's actually like, both the awesome and the challenging parts.

First up - studying abroad is not just about the degree. I know, sounds clich茅, but hear me out. Before coming here, I was that typical student from an Indian engineering college (8.2 CGPA, decent coding skills, nothing extraordinary). Now, a year later, I'm working on research projects I didn't even know existed, collaborating with people from 12 different countries, and seeing my field from a completely different perspective.

The classroom experience here is DIFFERENT. Like, completely different. Back home, I was used to memorizing for exams and following a set pattern. Here, my professor actually stopped me during a presentation to ask, "But what do YOU think about this approach?" Took me a good 30 seconds to recover from the shock! No one had ever asked for my opinion in a classroom before.

Career prospects? They're real. My senior from the same program got hired by a major tech company right after graduating. The exposure you get here opens doors you didn't even know existed. I'm currently doing a part-time research assistantship (something I'd never have thought of doing back home), and it's completely changing my career plans.

But let's talk about the hard parts too. The first two months were ROUGH. Dealing with homesickness while trying to figure out basic stuff like grocery shopping in a new country is not fun. Had a mini breakdown in the middle of a supermarket because I couldn't find haldi (turns out it's called turmeric here, duh!). And don't even get me started on doing laundry for the first time...

The academic system can be overwhelming at first. Group projects here are intense - you're working with people from different countries, with different work styles and time zones. But guess what? These are exactly the kind of challenges that make you grow. Now I can confidently say I can work with pretty much anyone, anywhere.

Money matters are real too. Yes, the expenses are high, but there are ways to manage. I work part-time at the university library (allowed on my study permit), and it helps with the extra expenses. Plus, there are scholarships and bursaries if you do your research well.

Some unexpected benefits:
- You become super independent (never thought I'd be good at cooking, but necessity teaches you everything!)
- Your problem-solving skills go through the roof
- You develop this weird confidence where nothing seems impossible anymore
- Your perspective on everything changes (in a good way)
- You make friends from literally everywhere (my study group has people from 5 different continents!)

Is it challenging? Absolutely. Are there days when you miss home like crazy? You bet. But would I do it all over again? In a heartbeat.

For anyone on the fence about studying abroad - yes, it's a big decision. No, it's not always easy. But if you're up for the challenge, it can be one of the best decisions you'll ever make. Just make sure you're doing it for the right reasons (not just because your friends are doing it), and be prepared for both the ups and downs.

Drop your questions below if you're trying to make this decision. Happy to share more specific experiences!