The Harsh Truth About Studying Abroad: Struggles, Excuses & The Reality No One Talks About
Struggles, Excuses & The Reality No One Talks About
The Harsh Truth About Studying Abroad: Struggles, Excuses & The Reality No One Talks About
Every year, thousands of Indian students pack their bags, filled with dreams of a global career, financial independence, and an elevated lifestyle. But lately, a different narrative has emerged—one filled with housing crises, job market crashes, mental health struggles, and the growing trend of reverse immigration (students returning home after failing to settle abroad).
Are these students facing real challenges? Absolutely. But is every struggle due to external factors? Not really. Some students have genuinely been dealt a tough hand, while others have failed to plan, adapt, or put in the necessary effort—using the current crisis as a shield to hide behind their own shortcomings.
Let’s break it down.
1. Genuine Hardships: The Reality Overseas Students Face
Yes, there are real, systemic problems that students are facing worldwide:
🔺 Housing Crises – Countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia are experiencing severe rental shortages, making it nearly impossible for students to find affordable accommodation. Some students have resorted to sleeping in libraries, crashing on friends’ floors, or paying exorbitant rents.
🔺 Job Market Instability – Economic downturns and layoffs, especially in tech and finance, have made securing jobs harder. Many international graduates are stuck in survival jobs, far from their academic backgrounds. Employers are hesitant to hire without work permits, leaving students in limbo.
🔺 Visa & PR Challenges – Governments are tightening immigration rules. Canada, once a safe bet for PR, is now rejecting applications for students in low-demand fields. The UK and Australia have also introduced restrictions, making it harder to settle after graduation.
🔺 Mental Health Struggles – Loneliness, cultural barriers, and academic pressure are taking a toll. Many students don’t talk about their struggles until they reach a breaking point.
These issues are real, and we do not deny them. But let’s move to the other side of the coin—students who are not helping themselves.
2. When Struggles Become Excuses
We have personally seen students misusing the "struggle" narrative when, in reality, they didn’t put in the work required to succeed. Here are some real-life cases:
❌ The Job Seeker Who Never Applied – We provided multiple references for part-time and full-time jobs to a student struggling in Canada. Months later, his family contacted us, worried about his financial situation. They were sending huge sums of money every month, as he claimed, "there are no jobs." Upon contacting our references, we learned he never even reached out to them. He wasn’t trying. He was using the situation as a shield to avoid working.
❌ The Undergraduate Excuse-Maker – Another student, pursuing his undergrad overseas, told his parents, "Either I can study or work; the course load is too much." We completely understand that education comes first, but when you’re taking financial support from home, your academic performance should be exceptional—which was not the case. He was simply unwilling to push himself.
We are NOT saying every struggling student is making excuses. Many are genuinely trying but facing challenges. However, we cannot ignore the fact that some students are not putting in the work and are blaming external factors instead.
3. Social Media & The Sweet Lies About Studying Abroad
💥 Social media thrives on extreme emotions. You’ll mostly see two types of content:
1️⃣ "Overseas education is a dream! Earn big, live big!" – Sold by education agents and universities, conveniently ignoring the struggles.
2️⃣ "Overseas education is a SCAM! Job market is dead! Reverse immigration!" – Pushed by struggling students or influencers who gain traction through negativity.
The reality? Neither extreme is 100% true. It depends on your choices, effort, and adaptability.
4. Straight Facts If You’re Planning to Study Abroad
📌 a) It will not be easy. The struggle is real, and competition is extreme. If you’re expecting an easy ride, stay home.
📌 b) Growth requires discomfort. If you only socialize with the same Indian crowd, refusing to engage with new cultures, you’re missing the real overseas experience.
📌 c) Easy programs = Limited job prospects. A low-effort degree will not land you a great career. If a program seems too "chill," there’s probably a reason employers don’t value it.
📌 d) Financial planning is crucial. Running out of money abroad is a nightmare. Plan wisely.
📌 e) Research before you go. Don’t blindly follow trends. Choose a country, program, and university that align with job market demands.
📌 f) Jobs don’t come to you. You can’t just sit at home and apply on online portals. Network. Show up. Make connections. You might have to appear for 100 interviews, but you only need to crack ONE.
📌 g) Never miss a networking opportunity. Whether it’s for jobs or dating—get out there and make an effort.
📌 h) Success is not guaranteed. But failure is, if you don’t try. No matter how hard you work, there’s no 100% guarantee of success. But if you don’t try at all, failure is certain.
Final Thoughts: A Reality Check
We sympathize with the students who are truly struggling. Not everyone is making excuses. The housing crisis, visa challenges, and mental health struggles are real. But so is the fact that some students are failing because they refuse to adapt, work hard, or make smart choices.
If you’re planning to study abroad, take everything with a pinch of salt—or maybe a handful.
🔹 Don’t believe the "fairy tale" sold by universities and agents.
🔹 Don’t blindly buy into doom-and-gloom reverse immigration stories.
🔹 Make smart choices, put in the effort, and prepare for a real challenge.
Studying abroad is a life-changing opportunity—but only if you earn the success that comes with it.
👉 Your future depends on your choices. Make the right ones. 🚀
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This article has been written by Team Student Central purely for informative purposes. It does not, in any way, undermine or disrespect the genuine struggles faced by international students who are away from home, navigating cultural shock, financial stress, academic pressure, and an unfamiliar job market. In fact, it stands in solidarity with them. However, it also aims to highlight the other side of the coin—where some individuals may use these struggles as a convenient cover for their lack of commitment, poor planning, or unrealistic expectations, or worse, to sell dreams that are far from reality.
To those students who are truly struggling: you are not alone. Please don’t hesitate to ask for help, talk to someone you trust, or even reach out to us. Team Student Central is here to support you—whether it’s through guidance, connections, or just someone to listen. We may not have all the answers, but we promise to try our best to stand by your side.
Posted 3 weeks ago