Studying abroad in Canada is a courageous journey that takes you beyond your comfort zone. Will you dare to begin and discover a new version of yourself with LOA Portal?

<h2>1. The Important Decisions in Life</h2>At every stage of life, there are milestones that shape our journey of growing up. Standing at crossroads that may change our future, we often face decisions that are far from easy.Before entering high school, for instance, many young students already feel the pressure of choosing the right school. That choice often begins to take shape as early as middle school, when we still cannot clearly imagine where our actions will eventually lead us.A little later, right at the threshold of university, we once again find ourselves worrying and struggling over which school or program to choose. At this point, countless paths unfold: some decide to pause their studies to pursue personal plans; others set their sights on prestigious universities; some nurture the dream of a new life in a foreign country; and still others choose to stop and hustle through life’s demands.Yet, many remain stuck, unable to decide which choice is truly right. The reason lies in fears that cling to us: fear of not being capable enough, fear of not being ready, fear of stepping onto a path we do not yet fully understand. All those fears can often be summed up in a single word: “dare.” Not daring to face decisions, not daring to be confident and courageous enough to move forward, not daring to believe that we are worthy of the values life has to offer.<h2>2. “If only I had dared…”</h2>Perhaps each of us, when thinking about studying abroad, imagines it as a gateway to knowledge, new experiences, and a refreshed version of ourselves. But behind that glow, studying abroad has never been an easy journey.It requires more than just:<ul><li>A strong academic transcript,</li><li>An impressive application,</li><li>Or solid financial support.</li></ul>The most important element – and often overlooked – is the courage to leave your comfort zone.We leave our families and step into the unknown not for a single reason, but because of a blend of motivations that form a calling: to try, to go, to live a bigger life. But not everyone dares to make that trade. And often, what people regret most is not failure… but the things they never tried.<h3>Regret and the lesson from The Power of Regret</h3>According to Daniel Pink in The Power of Regret, human regrets often fall into four categories:<ul><li>Foundation Regret – “If only I had worked harder.”</li><li>Boldness Regret – “If only I had tried.”</li><li>Moral Regret – “If only I hadn’t done that.”</li><li>Connection Regret – “If only I had kept in touch with them.”</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/714ddcO5HsL._UF1000,1000_QL80_.jpg" alt="The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward: Pink, Daniel H.: 9780735210653: Amazon.com: Books"><figcaption>The power of regret - Daniel H. Pink</figcaption></figure>Among these, the most persistent is Boldness Regret – the regret of not having the courage to do what one truly wanted.&nbsp;Decades from now, will we still remember sleepless nights spent on applications, the awkwardness of struggling with a foreign language, or the aching homesickness? Maybe not. But we will vividly remember the moment we dared to step out of our comfort zone – the moment that opened up a different world and a different version of ourselves. Success may or may not come, but the feeling of living fully with our own choices will remain forever.When we’re young, we often think we have plenty of time. But that mindset of “maybe tomorrow” quietly robs us of momentum, dulls our fire, and makes us abandon once-burning dreams. Until one day, we find the phrase “If only I had dared…” both familiar and painful.<h2>3. “Daring” doesn’t mean being reckless</h2>To “dare” doesn’t mean being reckless, nor acting without thought. No one encourages us to jump headfirst into something we know nothing about. Of course, before making a decision, we need to weigh the risks and challenges ahead.But once a decision is made, that is when courage can unfold its full power. Sometimes, courage is not about grand gestures – it is simply giving ourselves permission to begin, even without seeing the entire path ahead.It’s in those moments:<ul><li>Typing out a nervous email to a dream school.</li><li>Submitting an application that isn’t perfect.</li><li>Standing in a classroom full of strangers, introducing ourselves in a shaky foreign tongue.</li></ul>Psychology calls this the “foot-in-the-door effect” – starting with small steps makes it easier to take bigger ones. Each step not only builds confidence but also weakens fear.And looking back, those “daring steps” don’t just take us to new places – they also lead us to a stronger version of ourselves, one who believes more in our own abilities and values both success and failure. Because every experience, whether sweet or bitter, is a piece of the story of youth.“There were times I dared. And those very times changed my whole life.”<h2>4. Conclusion</h2>No one can guarantee that studying abroad – or any major decision – will take us exactly where we want to be. But one thing is certain: if we never start, we will never know.Instead of letting fear confine us to a safe but narrow life, let curiosity, faith, and a little courage pave the way.As Viktor Frankl once wrote in Man’s Search for Meaning:“Those who have a ‘why’ to live, can bear with almost any ‘how.’”So, when standing at a crossroads that could define your life, what will you choose? &nbsp; Do you dare to step out of your comfort zone?

Do you dare to step out of your comfort zone?

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What to prepare before studying abroad: Form fear to confidence

Do you dare to step out of your comfort zone?

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