'I regret moving to Canada': Indian student gives reality check on struggles of living abroad

An Indian student settled in Canada has given a reality check by bursting the fairy bubble about life abroad in a social media post.

In a Reddit post titled "I regret moving to Canada", the student explained the struggles of living abroad and how international students face exploitation.

The post reads, "Every day, I see people in India dreaming of moving abroad, believing there are better opportunities. But let me give you a reality check. I live in Canada and is not what it seems. The government and colleges have turned international students into a business, and once you land here, you realise you’ve been scammed."

The student further wrote, "The College Scam - Most students come through private or low-ranking colleges that charge insane tuition fees but teach almost nothing. Professors barely put in effort, the curriculum is outdated, and the degree is nearly useless in the job market. After graduation, you’ll realise that employers don’t even take your diploma seriously. I go to bow valley college and it’s the worst school in Calgary. Without 'Canadian experience', you’ll be forced into survival jobs like Uber, warehouse labor, or retail just to pay rent. Meanwhile, you’re drowning in tuition debt with no real career growth."

Next, the student explained financial struggles related to rent, food and basic necessities and also wrote about how international students face exploitation while trying to make a living.

The student wrote, "Financial Struggles and Exploitation - The cost of living in Canada is insane. Rent is sky-high, groceries are overpriced, and basic necessities cost a fortune. Most students end up working long hours at minimum-wage jobs just to survive. Work-life balance doesn’t exist - you either work or you don’t eat. Employers exploit international students, paying them under the table for illegal wages, and if you complain, they’ll just replace you with the next desperate student."

Writing about loneliness and mental health issues due to living alone in a far-off place, the student further explained, "Mental Health and Loneliness - Living away from family is much harder than you think. In India, you have a strong support system—friends, family, festivals, and community. In Canada, you’ll be isolated, constantly working, and struggling to connect with people. It can be hard to connect with people from our community as well as we are constantly busy with these 'busy' lifestyle. Canadians are polite but distant, and real friendships are rare. Depression and loneliness hit hard, and many students suffer in silence, unable to share their struggles."

Lastly, the student opined as to why students should continue to live in India by explaining that the "nation is growing and that opportunities are also improving".

"Why Stay in India? - India is growing, and opportunities are improving. If you work smart, you can build a great life without sacrificing your mental health, family, and dignity. The West sells you an illusion, but once you get here, you realise you’ve been brainwashed. Don’t fall for the trap—stay in India, invest in yourself, and build something meaningful at home," the student wrote.