“Congrats! I got into the London School of Economics… and Cardiff. I’m just waiting in Oxford now!”
This is how the journey begins for many Asian students, dreams full of excitement, ambition, and the thrill of living abroad. But as thrilling as it sounds, the experience of studying abroad is far from the glossy social media highlight reels.
In this post, we’re pulling back the curtains and revealing what really goes on behind those smiling LinkedIn posts and aesthetic dorm room photos and videos on TikTok.
1. The Dream vs. The Reality
You’ve seen the posts: snowy streets of Europe, smiling selfies in cafes, aesthetic shots of library corners. It’s all very cinematic. But what we don’t see are the panic-stricken 3 AM calls, cup noodles for dinner for weeks, and the loneliness of celebrating Diwali over microwave pasta.
When Indian students envision studying abroad, they often think of success stories like Sundar Pichai or Satya Nadella. What they don’t realize is that for every one success story, there are 99 stories of struggle, sacrifice, and stress.
2. The Growing Trend of Studying Abroad
Despite the difficulties, the number of Indian students studying abroad keeps rising:
- 2022: ~9.7 lakh
- 2023: ~13.1 lakh
- 2024: ~13.35 lakh and growing
Popular destinations remain the same among the abroad dreaming students such as the UK, US, Canada, and Australia. Most students have no plans of returning due to better infrastructure, quality of life, and currency strength.
But is it always worth it?
3. The Real Costs of Studying Abroad
Many students don’t grasp the full financial burden until it’s too late:
Tuition Costs (2-Year Master’s):
- USA: NPR 80 – 140 lakhs
- UK, Canada, Australia: NPR 48 – 64 lakhs
- India : NPR 10 – 12 lakhs
- Nepal : NPR 8 – 10 lakhs (even at private institutions)
Hidden Expenses:
- Visa, health insurance, airfare: NPR 8 – 16 lakhs
- Rent, food, utilities in major cities: NRP 4 – 5 lakhs/month
- Currency depreciation: Rupee has dropped 38% over the last decade
Even if you get a job, the ROI isn’t always favorable.
4. The Psychological & Emotional Costs
No brochure will mention:
- Missing family milestones like weddings or funerals
- Cultural shock and loneliness
- Living without support systems
- Emotional burnout from overworking and underliving
These are intangible costs that many underestimate.
5. The Employment Struggle
You’d think a degree from Oxford or LSE guarantees a job. Not necessarily.
- Out of 400 international students, only 40 got visa-sponsored jobs
- Humanities grads face more challenges due to fewer job openings
- Employers back in India may consider foreign graduates as overqualified but under-experienced
In fact, only 27% of international students in the UK land jobs after their master’s—just 19% for humanities students.
6. Loan Burdens and Economic Reality
Over 80% of Nepalese students abroad fund their education through loans:
- Average loan size: Rs 32– 64 lakhs
- Interest rates in Nepal : 9–14% (vs 4 – 6% in developed nations)
Let’s talk salary:
- A £49,800 salary might sound huge… but after taxes and cost of living, it’s equivalent to NPR 90,000/month in Nepal.
Combine that with:
- Currency fluctuations
- Low job security
- High living costs
…and you’re looking at years of financial recovery—if not more.
7. The FOMO Factor
So why do students still go? The short answer: FOMO, or Fear of Missing Out, is the emotional response triggered by observing others enjoy experiences you’re not part of. It often leads to anxiety and depression, impulsive decisions, and dissatisfaction, especially driven by social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and so on. People feel pressured to participate or keep up, fearing they’ll miss valuable or enjoyable opportunities.
- Instagram influencers
- Facebook smiling photos and Tiktok videos
- LinkedIn success stories
- Netflix narratives romanticizing life abroad
These create a polished illusion of the “foreign dream,” which for most, doesn’t align with reality.
8. Student’s Thoughts While Studying Abroad?
1. Excitement and Adventure
“I’m finally here—it’s a fresh start!”
“I can’t wait to explore, travel, and meet new people.”
2. Doubt and Second-Guessing
“Did I make the right decision by leaving home?”
“Would I have been better off staying in India?”
3. Financial Worries
“This loan is huge—how will I repay it?”
“Everything is so expensive here—tuition, rent, food!”
4. Career Concerns
“Will I get a job after graduation?”
“What if no one sponsors my work visa?”
5. Homesickness and Emotional Strain
“I miss my family, friends, and the comfort of home.”
“Festivals feel incomplete and I often feel alone.”
6. Pressure from Social Media and Expectations
“Everyone on Instagram looks like they’re thriving.”
“Am I the only one struggling behind the scenes?”
7. Stress from Cultural Adjustment
“Why is it so hard to fit in here?”
“The weather, food, and lifestyle feel unfamiliar.”
8. Personal Growth and Independence
“I’m learning to survive and stand on my own.”
“Even through the struggle, I know I’m growing stronger.”
Consider this: Your friend Priya stayed back in your home country, joined a startup, avoided loans, and just bought a house in Whitefield. Meanwhile, you’re living with your parents, wondering if that foreign degree was even worth it.
9. So… Is Studying Abroad Still Worth It?
Yes, but only if:
- You’re going to a top-tier global institution
- You’re pursuing a highly specialized course not available in your country
- You have a clear plan for job placement and ROI
- You’re mentally, emotionally, and financially prepared
No, if:
- You’re going to an average university abroad
- You’re not financially secure
- You haven’t explored quality home country’s options
- You’re doing it just for the hype
10 Final Thoughts
Before you take the sail over, do your research. Create a Plan A, B, and even C. Know the risks, not just the rewards. It’s not about not going, instead it’s about going with your eyes open. And if you’re still figuring it all out, take a deep breath. There’s no shame in staying back in your home motherland but doing something sustainable and meaningful is far more better, upskilling locally, and building a future right here at home.
