Reality of Indian Students Going Abroad | EP 07 | Immortal India with Amish | English

Summary

The video script critically examines the myths surrounding foreign education, particularly for Indian students. It highlights the high financial costs, tough living conditions, and the often-unfulfilled promises of studying abroad. The speaker emphasizes that while some foreign degrees may offer value, for many, the return on investment is questionable. Real-life stories of students struggling abroad are contrasted with the growing opportunities within India’s education system. The script calls for a careful analysis of education options, considering both costs and long-term job prospects, and advocates for expanding vocational education and enhancing local universities.

Takeaways

• 😀 Indian parents and students often believe that foreign education guarantees a better future, but this is a flawed assumption.
• 😀 The high cost of studying abroad—around 30 lakhs per year per student—puts immense financial strain on families, often forcing them to take loans or sell assets.
• 😀 The success rate of securing a job abroad is low, with many Indian students unable to recover the money they spent on their education.
• 😀 Living abroad comes with numerous challenges such as high living expenses, part-time job difficulties, and even racism, which many students are unprepared for.
• 😀 Safety concerns are often overlooked when moving abroad, with many students unaware of the risks associated with living in certain areas of Western countries.
• 😀 The job market abroad is saturated, and even after graduation, many international students struggle to secure relevant and well-paying jobs.
• 😀 The education system in the West is increasingly criticized for not living up to its reputation, with students facing a heavy financial burden while not always obtaining the promised career opportunities.
• 😀 Even local students in Western countries face difficulties repaying their student loans, raising questions about how Indian students can recover their investment abroad.
• 😀 Only a small percentage of Indian students studying abroad attend top universities like the Ivy League, while most end up in smaller institutions with limited career prospects.
• 😀 The Indian education system needs reform to create more opportunities at home, including expanding top-tier universities and attracting foreign universities to set up campuses in India.
• 😀 Vocational education and skill development programs should be encouraged in India as alternatives to traditional degree programs, offering more practical job opportunities.

Q & A

Why do many Indian parents and students believe that studying abroad is essential for a successful career?

Many Indian parents and students believe that studying abroad offers prestigious degrees and better job prospects, often driven by the allure of Western education systems, particularly in countries like the US, UK, and Canada. This belief is fueled by the promise of a better future, despite the high costs and challenges faced by students abroad.

What are the financial costs associated with studying abroad, and how do they impact students?

Indian students studying abroad face significant financial costs, with an average of $47 billion spent annually on tuition, accommodation, and living expenses. This equates to approximately 30 lakhs per year per student. The high expenses often lead students or their parents to take loans, sell assets, or make heavy financial sacrifices, raising the question of whether the investment is truly worth it.

What is the success rate of Indian students who take the UPSC exam, and how does this compare to the success rate of students studying abroad?

The success rate of Indian students who sit for the UPSC exam is extremely low, at just 0.2%. This contrasts with the high expectations many parents have for success through studying abroad, where, despite the investment, students often struggle to secure well-paying jobs and face mounting debt.

What are some of the challenges Indian students face when living abroad?

Indian students abroad often struggle with high living expenses, part-time job difficulties, and the pressure to send money back home. They also face racism, though it is less prevalent than in the past, and experience a sense of insecurity, particularly in certain parts of the West. Additionally, many students encounter a harsh reality of not being able to recover the costs of their education.

How does the cost of living and the job market abroad impact Indian students?

The cost of living abroad is significantly high, often requiring students to work multiple part-time jobs. Despite these efforts, the availability of well-paying jobs, especially for international students, is limited, and many graduates from non-STEM fields struggle to secure jobs related to their studies, making it difficult to repay their educational loans.

What are the difficulties faced by Indian students in the UK, as mentioned in the transcript?

Indian students in the UK face difficult living conditions, such as cramped housing and long working hours in part-time jobs. One particular student shared his experience of working two jobs while enduring illness, all while trying to repay his student loans. Despite these hardships, many Indian students feel trapped by their financial situation and cannot afford basic healthcare.

What role do Western universities play in perpetuating the cycle of debt for international students?

Many Western universities, despite having large endowments, do not reduce tuition fees, and the costs of education remain high for international students. Moreover, some universities seem more focused on the interests of wealthy alumni and administrative salaries rather than reducing financial burdens for students, leading to a cycle of debt and hardship for many international students.

Is foreign education always a better option than studying in India?

Foreign education is not always the best option for everyone. While certain specialized courses and top-tier universities abroad may offer valuable opportunities, the high costs, lack of job security, and financial risks often outweigh the benefits. Students need to carefully evaluate the costs, job prospects, and the specific field of study before making such a significant decision.

What suggestions are offered for improving the higher education system in India?

The Indian government should expand and improve infrastructure in local universities, especially top institutions like IITs and IIMs. There should also be encouragement for foreign universities to set up campuses in India with reduced fees, allowing Indian students to pursue international degrees at a more affordable cost.

What alternative solutions are proposed for addressing the challenges faced by Indian students?

The transcript suggests considering the value of vocational education and skills training as an alternative to traditional degrees. It proposes that corporate partnerships with educational institutions could provide practical, marketable skills, addressing the growing demand for job-ready candidates in industries such as technology, healthcare, and business.