Others may genuinely not know the answer to your questions, and still others may send you, wittingly or not, in the wrong direction. It is important to remember that all those from whom you seek advice will have their own experience and concerns, and they may not necessarily be the same as yours. For example, a number of programs have age limits and if you are too young or too old to fit into a particularly program's guidelines, you may get rebuffed at the first try. Or you may be questioned about your economic or family situation. There are programs that do not have rigid age requirements, and there are many avenues to explore for financial assistance.
Attitude is very important.
How you present yourself can make a big difference. If you project confidence people will often treat you more seriously. But if you are tentative or appear hesitant, it will be much easier for people to dismiss you and your request. If, however, you allow a few early setbacks to become insurmountable obstacles, it is absolutely assured that nothing will happen. And while you may not find the program that meets all of your goals and dreams, studying in a country other than your own can be one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of your life.