Let’s be honest, if you are a Bangladeshi student with dreams of studying abroad, you probably already have a “dream country” in your head. Maybe it’s the USA, because who doesn’t want to live in a Netflix series? Or maybe it’s Canada, because you heard that snow is romantic and maple syrup tastes like opportunity. Some people go for the UK, because they think speaking English with a British accent will automatically make them smarter. Others pick Australia because, well, kangaroos and “no winter depression.”
But here’s the thing. You are not marrying your dream country. You are applying for undergraduate admission. And in this game, loyalty to just one destination is about as practical as wearing a raincoat in a sauna.
Why? Because admissions are not as romantic as the movies make them seem. You don’t get to walk into Harvard, wink at the admissions officer, and walk out with an acceptance letter. It’s a ruthless competition. There are thousands of students like you, all armed with similar grades, the same list of extracurricular activities, and personal statements that sound suspiciously like a self-help book. The harsh truth is that even if you are good enough, sometimes the timing, quota, or even a bored application reviewer can seal your fate.
Now imagine if you put all your eggs in one country’s basket. What happens if that basket decides it has enough eggs this year? You are left with nothing but heartbreak, and maybe a “gap year” you didn’t plan for. And trust me, explaining to your relatives for twelve months why you are “just preparing” can feel like its own unpaid full-time job.
Keeping multiple countries in mind is not about giving up on your dream. It’s about playing the game like someone who actually understands the rules. The more countries you apply to, the more chances you have to land a place that works for you both academically and financially. Because here’s another fun secret nobody tells you in the beginning: scholarships, financial aid, and tuition fees vary wildly from one country to another. The US might offer generous need-based aid, but it also costs the GDP of a small island nation if you don’t get it. Canada might have more predictable tuition but fewer scholarships. Germany might have low tuition altogether but expects you to battle with their paperwork like it’s a medieval quest.
And let’s not forget that policies change faster than your cousin changes their relationship status on Facebook. One country may suddenly add stricter visa requirements. Another might slash post-study work opportunities. Political situations, economic shifts, even changes in global rankings, all of these can affect your future in ways you can’t control. By keeping your options open, you’re making sure you’re not caught off guard when your “perfect” country decides to become not-so-perfect overnight.
There’s also the question of fit. Just because a country looks great on YouTube vlogs doesn’t mean it will match your personality or learning style. Maybe you think you want the hustle and chaos of New York City, but find yourself quietly dreaming about smaller campuses where people actually say “hi” in the hallway. Maybe you love the idea of year-round sunshine but realize you concentrate better in rainy weather. You won’t truly know until you look beyond that one country you’ve been obsessing over since you were sixteen.
Think of it this way: If you were applying for jobs, would you send your CV to only one company and then sit by the phone waiting? No, you’d apply everywhere you could. You’d compare offers, weigh benefits, and make an informed decision. Undergraduate admissions are no different. Your future deserves more than a one-shot gamble.
So, by all means, have your favorite country. Print its flag. Watch its TV shows. Learn its slang. But when it comes to your applications, act like the savvy, strategic student you are. Keep your list broad. Explore different systems, cultures, and opportunities. You might be surprised to find that your “backup” country turns out to be the perfect place for you. Yes, the same one that you never would have considered if you had stayed stubbornly fixated on your first love.
Because in the end, it’s not about where you start your undergrad. It’s about what you do with it. And you can do amazing things from anywhere, as long as you’re smart enough not to limit yourself before you’ve even begun.
