While it is the hope that studying abroad will always be a fruitful and enriching experience, the reality is that dishonest people are present in every country. Due to this, you may come across certain scams while preparing to study abroad.
Therefore, you need to arm yourself with as much information as possible. This article will teach you about common study abroad scams you may face and how to avoid them.
Common Scams You May Come Across
Here are some common scams you can encounter when preparing to study abroad and tips on how to recognize and avoid them:
Admission Scam
Promising or guaranteeing something too good to be true is a typical tactic scammers use. For example, scammers might give you admission to a college you haven’t even applied to.
Housing Scams
You decide to book a room online since you can’t wait to start your exciting new journey. Unfortunately, either the location does not exist, or it looks different from the photos upon arrival. Oh no!
You should be wary of ads promising extremely low prices for high-end homes. They can usually ask for a deposit or rent ahead, only for you to learn that the “apartment” doesn’t exist.
Before paying any money, check reputable housing websites, read tenant reviews, and, if possible, contact landlords directly.
You can also contact the university to request trusted websites that you can use in your search for housing.
The Urgent Payment Scam
Again, imagine you get an email from a “university” asking for a deposit to hold your spot.
They promise to give you admission or a scholarship, but in exchange for that, you have to pay immediately.
This is a common study abroad scam, and remember that legitimate schools have transparent admissions policies. Be wary of any institution that pressures you to make a hasty cash transfer.
Conclusion
So, what can you do to avoid these study abroad scams? Do your research, stay informed, and trust your gut. Also, connect with fellow students, seek information from your school’s international office, and share your stories to help others avoid similar scams.
Remember that the world is full of incredible possibilities and that going abroad to school can be a game-changer. You’ve got this!
If you need any guidance on your journey to study abroad, feel free to use the contact form below.
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