In the modern age, society paints an elaborate portrait of success. This image is framed by a set of prescribed symbols: a life of luxury, fluency in English, an embrace of Western culture, and a constant, almost obsessive presence on social media, where curated perfection is showcased. Today, success is not just about being well-educated or well-connected—it’s about displaying that success in a way that others can see and admire. And among the most coveted symbols in this elite, the modern hierarchy is studying abroad. What was once considered a privilege reserved for the fortunate few has now become a near-mandatory ritual for anyone seeking to join the ranks of the “successful.”
But why has studying abroad evolved into a social necessity rather than a mere choice? When did it become the ultimate ticket to success and a defining status symbol? The answer lies not only in the societal pressures we face but in the subtle (and often blatant) messages we are inundated with daily.
Take India, for example, where the number of students studying abroad has risen dramatically in recent years. According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, over 750,000 Indian students were enrolled in foreign universities as of 2020, marking a 25% increase from just five years earlier. This surge isn’t just driven by a desire for better education but also by a need to keep up with a perceived social standard. Life abroad, often seen on social media feeds, paints a picture of success: flashy dinners, high-end fashion, and frequent travels. These curated glimpses into the lives of students abroad create an illusion of an ideal life, one that draws young people to foreign lands, not necessarily for academic growth, but for the visibility that comes with it.
This need for validation is deeply rooted in the concept of scarcity. The saying “scarcity is the currency of prestige” rings true here: the fewer people who can afford the high costs of studying abroad, the more valuable it becomes. The rarer the opportunity, the more “prestigious” it feels. To be part of this rarefied group, you must first cross the borders—literally and metaphorically.
But the question that begs to be asked is: Is it really worth the price—financially, emotionally, and socially? The benefits of studying abroad are often oversold: global exposure, career opportunities, personal growth, cultural immersion. But for many, the reality doesn’t match the promise. Financial burdens are heavier than anticipated, homesickness becomes a daily struggle, and isolation sets in as students realize that their foreign “dreams” are far less glamorous than expected.
Consider this: nearly 1 in 5 Indian students (around 20%) who initially left for higher studies abroad return early, disillusioned by the realities they face. As reported by The University Grants Commission (UGC), these students often cite factors like academic pressure, cultural shock, and a lack of career prospects as reasons for abandoning their overseas studies. It’s an experience that is often closer to a rude awakening than the “golden period” many expect.
To borrow the words of the great philosopher, “Not all that glitters is gold.” While the foreign lifestyle may glitter on social media, the true experience is often a far cry from the glittering ideal presented before departure. Imagine a student, lured by promises of a “world-class education,” only to be hit with the harsh reality of financial strain, lack of job opportunities, and a deep sense of loneliness. The dream turns out to be an illusion—a mirage that fades as the reality sets in.
The emotional toll of studying abroad can be severe. Many students find themselves torn between two worlds—one in which they feel disconnected from their roots, and another where they struggle to adapt to a new, unfamiliar culture. These emotional costs are compounded by the financial burden many students face. Loans are taken, FDs (fixed deposits) are cashed in, and families sell their assets, all in the hope of securing a “better future.” But after spending years abroad, many are forced to return with little to show for it. The expected career success often turns into a mirage as students realize that, despite their international degrees, they are still competing with others in the highly competitive job markets back home.
In fact, “The cost of a dream deferred” is far steeper than we realize. In 2018, a study by The Times of India found that nearly 30% of students who studied abroad returned to India either discouraged or unfulfilled, often taking up jobs that had no connection to their field of study. While the dream of a foreign degree promises success, it does not guarantee the fulfillment of those promises. So, is this all worth the price?
Perhaps it is time we reassess our view of success. Should we continue to idolize foreign degrees while overlooking the growing quality of educational institutions at home? The question is not about whether studying abroad is inherently bad; it’s about why we treat it as the only path to success.
Imagine this: what if we gave as much value to our own institutions as we do to foreign universities? What if we invested in improving the quality of local education and fostering an environment where students could thrive without having to leave the country? After all, India has over 50 universities ranked in the global top 500, with many institutions now offering competitive and world-class courses in technology, arts, and sciences.
The truth is, foreign universities rarely see the same influx of international students that Indian universities now receive.
Countries like the U.S. and the UK are seeing fewer students coming in from abroad, while Indian institutions are becoming more attractive to students from countries like Afghanistan, Nepal, and African nations.
It’s time we shifted the focus from the allure of foreign shores to investing in and prioritizing our own educational infrastructure.
Ultimately, it’s important to remember that success is not defined by where you study, but by what you make of the opportunities you’re given.
So, as we continue to chase the myth of studying abroad, perhaps it’s time we asked ourselves: Is it truly the golden ticket we believe it to be, or is it merely another societal construct designed to keep us chasing something just out of reach?
Before we pack our bags and board the flight, maybe we should first take a moment to ask: Do we really need to go abroad to succeed, or can success be defined right where we stand?
