Indian students aiming for higher education abroad today face a far more complex reality than what glossy brochures or social media posts portray. As global job markets tighten and immigration policies become more restrictive, the once-clear path from international degrees to high-paying jobs is now marked by uncertainty. Increasingly, Indian graduates abroad are burdened with mounting student loans, limited work opportunities, and subtle discrimination that impacts their career growth and social integration. What was once seen as a surefire route to upward mobility has become a high-risk gamble—demanding more clarity of purpose, long-term planning, and realistic expectations.
“Why is everyone so eager to go abroad for higher studies?” asked an Indian student on Reddit—a question that sparked a passionate debate. The student, who had spent five years in Canada pursuing a bachelor’s in CS and a master’s in Information Security, ultimately returned to India disillusioned. “Canada has a dead job market. I’m struggling here too. Meanwhile, my friends who stayed back in India and pursued CSE are doing great with high-paying jobs and stable careers.”
They didn’t hold back. “The U.S. is facing political instability, Canada leads nowhere, Australia has a high cost of living and nearly impossible PR routes, and Europe has serious language barriers,” the post continued. “I see people taking massive loans, chasing a foreign degree just as a shortcut to PR. But with job markets down across the world, is it worth it?”
The post quickly went viral, drawing responses from all sides. Some echoed similar sentiments: “Living conditions in India may not be ideal, but at least we’re not chasing mirages abroad. Education here is flawed, yes, but students need to stop romanticizing foreign life based on Instagram and movies.” Another user pointed out how some Indian students are even submitting fake documents to secure overseas admissions, damaging the reputation of genuine applicants.
A university committee member weighed in, warning that unethical behavior by a few is starting to create negative stereotypes abroad. “There’s growing resentment about Indians forming cliques, overworking at lower pay, and bringing regressive behavior into more progressive societies,” they said.
Others had more balanced perspectives. One student commented, “I’m going abroad not for a job, but for high-quality research. India’s research ecosystem is underfunded. But we must stop expecting foreign systems to reward mediocrity.”
The rise of so-called “diploma mills” in countries like Canada was another concern raised. “Many students, even those with legitimate degrees, are falling into the trap of low-quality programs, ending up with debt and no real prospects,” a commenter noted.
Yet, not all voices were pessimistic. “I just want to experience life abroad—to explore, to grow,” one user said. For them, the journey wasn’t just about financial returns, but personal development and cultural exposure.
The original poster wrapped up with a note of caution, not cynicism: “There’s nothing wrong with wanting to move abroad. Everyone deserves a better life. But not everyone will get what they expect. The goal is to offer a reality check, so people go in with open eyes—not blind hope.”
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