With the rising number of Indian students heading overseas for higher education, dreams of international success are becoming increasingly common. For many, the idea of studying abroad is tied to promises of better jobs, higher salaries, and an improved quality of life. However, a viral Reddit post has challenged this popular belief, shedding light on the uncomfortable truths that many students face after they leave home.
The post, which has sparked wide discussion online, warns against the overly “romanticised” image of life abroad and urges students to replace fantasy with preparation.
'The West Is Not a Shortcut to a Good Life'
The original Reddit user did not hold back in calling out what they described as “melodramatic” complaints from students who struggle after moving abroad. “People travel overseas without being remotely ready, believing the West is some short cut to a good life,” the post stated. “And then when things do not work out for them, they begin writing these melodramatic posts cautioning others against making the same ‘mistake.’ But most of them were not victims of the system. They simply were not prepared for it.”
The user pointed out that many students choose their courses without proper research or personal suitability. “You picked it because your friend did it or some guy on YouTube made a video about it. You never took the time to research the job market… And when firms don't return your calls, all of a sudden it's 'the country doesn't support international students.' No, it just doesn't support mediocrity.”
Financial Misconceptions and Visa Struggles
The post also highlighted unrealistic financial expectations, especially around surviving on part-time work. “Yes. It is. You could've guessed that in a 5-minute Google search. Did you anticipate living overseas, paying tuition, rent, food, and having savings all out of one part-time job?”
Visa-related anxieties were also criticized, with the author suggesting that students often take the process too lightly. “You just presumed everything would fall into place.”
The post emphasized that job opportunities — whether in India or abroad — now demand real skills, not just degrees. “Only those who possess the requisite skills, have a good portfolio, and have a good network are getting the jobs. The recipe is uniform everywhere… You're either ready, or you're not.”
Online Reactions: Agreement and First-Hand Experiences
The Reddit post received massive support, with many users sharing similar observations. One user shared, “Some of my friends went for masters as they couldn't land an on-campus placement. They just went with 0 skills and 0 work exp.”
Another user commented, “People don't understand that in the end, it's about your talent. Talented people don't generally have problems, may it be abroad or within the country. It's the people who are mediocre.”
A professional added a practical viewpoint: “Students come here, complete their masters, and can’t find a job… My first question is, what’s your German level? And they say, ‘Ohh, I haven’t started yet’… I feel bad for students, but hey, you came here unprepared. Not my fault.”
'Stop Thinking a Visa Is Your Lottery Ticket'
The post concluded with clear advice to those in India planning to study abroad: “Plan better. Learn something real. Build stuff. Talk to people who’ve done it properly. Stop thinking a visa is your lottery ticket. Life abroad is challenging. But it’s not unfair. It just demands effort.”
The message, which has now gone viral, reflects a growing concern about the lack of preparedness among students heading overseas. With global job markets becoming more competitive, the emphasis, as echoed by many online, is no longer on just having a degree — but on being truly equipped for the journey ahead.
The post, which has sparked wide discussion online, warns against the overly “romanticised” image of life abroad and urges students to replace fantasy with preparation.
'The West Is Not a Shortcut to a Good Life'
The original Reddit user did not hold back in calling out what they described as “melodramatic” complaints from students who struggle after moving abroad. “People travel overseas without being remotely ready, believing the West is some short cut to a good life,” the post stated. “And then when things do not work out for them, they begin writing these melodramatic posts cautioning others against making the same ‘mistake.’ But most of them were not victims of the system. They simply were not prepared for it.”
The user pointed out that many students choose their courses without proper research or personal suitability. “You picked it because your friend did it or some guy on YouTube made a video about it. You never took the time to research the job market… And when firms don't return your calls, all of a sudden it's 'the country doesn't support international students.' No, it just doesn't support mediocrity.”
Financial Misconceptions and Visa Struggles
The post also highlighted unrealistic financial expectations, especially around surviving on part-time work. “Yes. It is. You could've guessed that in a 5-minute Google search. Did you anticipate living overseas, paying tuition, rent, food, and having savings all out of one part-time job?”
Visa-related anxieties were also criticized, with the author suggesting that students often take the process too lightly. “You just presumed everything would fall into place.”
The post emphasized that job opportunities — whether in India or abroad — now demand real skills, not just degrees. “Only those who possess the requisite skills, have a good portfolio, and have a good network are getting the jobs. The recipe is uniform everywhere… You're either ready, or you're not.”
Online Reactions: Agreement and First-Hand Experiences
The Reddit post received massive support, with many users sharing similar observations. One user shared, “Some of my friends went for masters as they couldn't land an on-campus placement. They just went with 0 skills and 0 work exp.”
Another user commented, “People don't understand that in the end, it's about your talent. Talented people don't generally have problems, may it be abroad or within the country. It's the people who are mediocre.”
A professional added a practical viewpoint: “Students come here, complete their masters, and can’t find a job… My first question is, what’s your German level? And they say, ‘Ohh, I haven’t started yet’… I feel bad for students, but hey, you came here unprepared. Not my fault.”
'Stop Thinking a Visa Is Your Lottery Ticket'
The post concluded with clear advice to those in India planning to study abroad: “Plan better. Learn something real. Build stuff. Talk to people who’ve done it properly. Stop thinking a visa is your lottery ticket. Life abroad is challenging. But it’s not unfair. It just demands effort.”
The message, which has now gone viral, reflects a growing concern about the lack of preparedness among students heading overseas. With global job markets becoming more competitive, the emphasis, as echoed by many online, is no longer on just having a degree — but on being truly equipped for the journey ahead.
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