Record number of Indians going to study abroad, but NRI dream fades as jobs become scarce

In a year marked by a surge in Indian students pursuing foreign education, those already studying abroad are facing significant challenges in securing jobs. The rising cost of living combined with limited job opportunities has shattered the dreams of many NRIs (Non-Resident Indians).
As per a ToI report, some students have decided to return home, fearing the unfortunate fate of Syeda Lulu Minhaj Zaidi, a Hyderabad student found in a distressed state, wandering the streets of Chicago. Others are persevering but struggling, even cutting down on essential expenses like food to make ends meet.
Vivek G*, despite holding a master’s degree in cloud computing, found it more viable to return to India than to continue struggling in Canada. After six months of relentless job hunting, he could only secure a job at a supermarket, which paid too little to cover his living expenses and student loans. Vivek is now hoping to find employment in his home city of Hyderabad.

Students reveal that rents in Canada range from $1,000 to $1,200 per month for single accommodations and can go up to $1,500 for double-sharing. Additionally, expenses for food, transport, and utilities cost at least another $1,000 to $1,200 every month.

In the US, the situation is no better. Shlok Mishra*, a student from a university in Texas, had to return to India after being unable to find a suitable job to cover his rent and expenses. He ended up working at a grocery store, but it wasn’t enough to meet his financial obligations.

Even for those who continue to stay abroad, the struggle persists. Goku Shanti, a student from Bengaluru pursuing a master’s in cybersecurity and threat management in Toronto, recounted standing in a long queue of 550 people for a restaurant job that had only 30 openings. The pressure of managing bills and expenses while studying is taking a toll on students’ well-being.

Tejas Gondi, a post-graduate in applied data science from Alaska, had to resort to delivering food on a bicycle in freezing temperatures just to make ends meet. He barely earned enough to cover his basic living costs and is now considering opportunities back in India.

Indian students in the UK also face similar challenges. Vidhi Karmakar*, studying business management in London, shared her struggle of being fired from three restaurants in two months due to over-staffing issues.

Amidst these difficulties, Vishweshwar Reddy Kalavala, founder of Global Telangana Association in Washington DC, advises students to remain patient, as he believes the situation tends to improve despite economic fluctuations.

For many students, the allure of foreign education is losing its shine as they grapple with the harsh realities of scarce job opportunities and mounting expenses.

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