A candid Reddit post titled “I regret coming to US for my bachelors degree. Idk why I did this” by user Puzzled_Ad7812 has gone viral, resonating deeply with international students navigating the challenges of studying in the United States. The post has ignited a wave of emotional responses, support, and reflection on the often-overlooked realities of pursuing higher education abroad.
The author, an NRI raised in Africa and currently a sophomore majoring in Data Science at a top 20 U.S. university, opened up about his academic struggles, social isolation, and the mounting pressure of living up to family expectations.
“My parents had a dream of bringing their son to a top American college,” he wrote. “Now I am in a top 20 college in the US, and I have no internships, weak resume, and poor grades. My parents are paying hefty amounts and I have become such a loser.”
Beyond academics, the user touched on the emotional and environmental challenges, noting the severe loneliness and the unfamiliar, harsh winters in the U.S. He added, “I’ve never felt more isolated in my life… I barely made any friends or memories here in university.”
The heartfelt post quickly attracted hundreds of comments, with many fellow students and parents echoing similar sentiments. One user shared, “Welcome to the club. Many of my son’s engineering batchmates and school batchmates went to work in the US, got depressed and lonely, and all but one have come back. The dollars aren’t usually worth the emotional stress.”
Others pointed to systemic issues driving such regret among international students, highlighting how many decisions to study abroad are influenced by familial and societal pressures. “The majority of Indian students confess: They go abroad due to push by parents… to show off to friends and family… thinking jobs and career are set for life,” another commenter observed.
Despite the post’s somber tone, numerous users offered words of encouragement and practical advice. Some reminded the author that being a sophomore still allows room for academic recovery, internships, and personal growth. One user noted, “You’re just in your sophomore year. You have time to improve your grades, find internships, and gain valuable experience. Try finding good quality friends because that is going to make all the difference.”
Another added, “You’re not a weak student if you’re in a top 20 university. Focus on incremental improvements. It’s not too late.”
This viral post has not only exposed the emotional and psychological burden many international students carry but also brought attention to the broader cultural narratives surrounding education abroad. It underscores the need for more informed decision-making, realistic expectations, and stronger emotional and academic support systems for students transitioning to life in a foreign country.
In an era where studying overseas is often equated with guaranteed success, this conversation reminds us of the personal sacrifices and emotional complexity that often remain hidden beneath the surface.
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