What could be the reason why an overwhelming number of Indian students wish to study internationally? It frequently begins with the dream of “more” — more respect, more money, and more opportunities. The income earned in foreign countries like the United States and Europe is much higher than the Indian average of 5-10 lakh rupees annually, Indian standards. Now, just imagine getting 40-60 thousand dollars (which is equal to 40 lakh rupees when the exchange rate is 80) annually. That kind of difference can feel life-changing. Apart from the pay check, developed nations offer superb infrastructure, smooth and well-maintained roads, well-oiled systems that are easy to navigate, and a culture of civility that commands respect for all occupations from bus drivers to CEOs. Have you ever felt like you were restricted to the options available in your country? Studying abroad feels like it has the potential to unlock a world where your dreams are attainable.
Benefits of Living Abroad
Living abroad is entirely different from just earning a living because it includes finer aspects of life such as well-maintained streets, a smooth traffic flow, and a phenomenal public transport system. For many other nations, life is easy to the extent that it seems automated. Furthermore, equality is another factor to consider. Be it someone working at a fast-food restaurant or a manager in an office; their contribution is ironically appreciated. For academic pupils, this means a life on campus which is modern, has rich culture and nationalities, and presents new experiences all. Will such surroundings enable you to foster in ways as India is yet to provide?
Explains the Concept of Generational Legacy
This is amazing; studying abroad does not solely concern the student, but rather the entire future generation. If you intend to settle in developed countries, this may benefit your kids. Children will have numerous opportunities, be exposed to a world full of possibilities, and never face challenges during the early stages of their life. You get the chance to prepare them a world to enjoy which is like converting today’s dreams into a fogged future image. Is such a reality worth the changes needed while making the dream happen? allows explore the truth together.
Reality Check: Financial
The first glance at international education is typically accompanied by a gloss of hype which conceals the tuition cost. International universities can charge fees as high as 1-2 million rupees per annum and even more for rent, food, and transport. If you are not one to find money on a tree, expect to have debt amounting to 5-10 million rupees for around 4 years of education. Loans may handle tuition, but comes at the cost-of-living expenses not covered by loans. What is often left is mediocre part-time jobs which cumulatively add up to rough 16-17 hours of work a day, just to manage expenses. The question is, can you manage the course load along with getting subpar sleep?
The Job That You Do Not Want to Do
This is where it goes from hard to gritty, as surviving jobs are taken along with mandatory employment. And you can only guess the places where the employment options offered will be located. Job positions offered can include late night shifts from convenience stores to table cleaning at restaurants. This enhances the focus required to complete your degree rightfully becoming the side hustle after graduation. Even if you are able to graduate, getting a job in the discipline of your area is not a brokered contract. You may receive restricted work visas pushing you to role unrelated to your degree while throbbing debt for education sits around the corner. Are you set to hustle and follow the dream?
The distance from home has an indelible mark, making it quite difficult to go back
Saying goodbye to India also means saying bye to family and friends awaiting dal-chawal.
Life in a new country is fun initially, but can turn challenging quickly due to homesickness. Think of the many days devoid of hearing conversations in Hindi or enjoying a delicious, familiar meal that’s simply not available. Cultural integration, fusion with new people and following their norms is like a storm with overwhelming turbulence and no guiding compass. For some, being perpetually abraded by clear waves of solitude coupled with no particular sense of belonging can loom over you for an eternity. Ask yourself this: Could you withstand the fierce emotional storm of being distanced from home for so long?
Opportunities Back Home
India’s still popping, quite literally. Time to flip the coin. The digital economy along with freelancing opportunities are on the rise in cities like Bangalore, Gurugram, and Hyderabad. With a laptop and commendable skills, one can build a global career in India. While the developing country’s standard of living still lags behind its advanced counterparts, it is slowly crawling towards it. Chennai, Mumbai, and Delhi are already outperforming Gurugram as the country’s shopping capital. However, ample grit and determination, now seen as the new currency, abroad have to be matched and even further surpassed to succeed within India’s borders. So, ready or not, prepared to tackle the ceaseless hustle when back here at home?
Key Takeaways
- Economic Promise: Earning in stronger currencies can multiply your income, but expenses abroad are equally high.
- Better Living Standards: Developed countries offer convenience and respect for all jobs, enhancing your daily life.
- Generational Impact: Studying abroad can set up future generations for less struggle and more opportunity.
- Financial Challenges: High tuition and living costs often mean loans and part-time jobs, demanding serious grit.
- Work vs. Study: Survival jobs can overshadow academics, and post-graduation work visas aren’t guaranteed.
- Emotional Costs: Homesickness and cultural adjustment can make life abroad feel lonely and tough.
- India’s Potential: With the right skills, India’s growing economy offers global opportunities without leaving home.
Finding Your Path
Studying abroad isn’t a one-size-fits-all dream. For some, it’s a transformative leap toward financial and personal growth. For others, the costs—financial, emotional, and physical—might outweigh the benefits. The beauty is, there’s no right or wrong choice. You could chase the global dream, gain a fresh perspective, and maybe even return to India with skills to fuel its growth. Or you could build a stellar career right here, tapping into India’s booming digital scene. The key is to weigh the costs, know your goals, and embrace the hustle. So, what’s your next step? Take a moment to reflect, research, and experiment—your future is yours to shape.