Reading Practice – Study Abroad Preparation Barriers (2025)

This practice set is based on the article:
The Hidden Barriers in Study Abroad Preparation — 2025 Data and How to Overcome Them
(link to original article)

Level：TOEIC 700–850 / IELTS 6.0–6.5

Target：日本人学習者（留学準備で不安を抱える人）

Reading Passage

According to the Duolingo Global Study Abroad Survey 2025, the biggest barriers to preparing for study abroad are cost and safety. The survey also shows that 66% of students take an English proficiency test more than twice, and delays in visa processing significantly increase anxiety.

These findings reveal that most students face similar “gray-zone worries,” even if they rarely talk about them. Cost uncertainty, mixed safety information, and complicated visa procedures often make students feel overwhelmed.

A former student (name changed) shared her experience, saying that she could not sleep because of three major fears: cost, visa delays, and safety. She believed she was the only one who felt lost. However, once she broke down her tasks and understood the order of preparation, her anxiety decreased.

Experts recommend three practical strategies to overcome these common concerns: (1) divide costs into clear categories such as initial, fixed, and variable expenses; (2) organize visa documents in submission order; and (3) research safety by neighborhood rather than by country. These steps help students replace unclear anxiety with clear action.

Questions

Q1. According to the passage, what is reported as the biggest barrier to study-abroad preparation?

A. Finding part-time work
B. Cost and safety
C. Choosing a homestay family
D. Buying textbooks

Q2. Why do visa procedures increase students’ anxiety?

A. Because the rules change every week
B. Because delays and unclear steps create pressure
C. Because most students forget to bring their passports
D. Because embassies do not accept student applications

Q3. What does the passage suggest about the former student (name changed)?

A. She struggled with the same three fears as many other students
B. She wanted to change her study destination at the last minute
C. She had no concerns about cost or safety
D. She received her visa earlier than expected

Q4. What is the closest meaning of “overwhelmed” in the passage?

A. Very excited
B. Unable to think clearly due to stress
C. Physically exhausted
D. Ready to give up immediately

Q5. Writing Task（30–40 words）

Write about one step you would take to reduce anxiety in your own study-abroad preparation.
Example start:

• “One action I would take is…”

• “To manage my anxiety, I plan to…”

Answer Key（別記事）

Answer Keyはこちら：

👉 Answer Key – Study Abroad Preparation Barriers (2025)