Aspirations to study abroad despite financial challenges are quite high among Indian students. Why not? After all, every young talent dreams of getting a degree from a foreign University as they believe a foreign degree is a matter of pride and hence defines great success. However, do we check the facts or do we research well about the conditions, situations, and success rates of students abroad before sending our children abroad?
The increasing number of Indian students choosing to study abroad has become a matter of serious concern. The numbers are staggering: 4.44 lakh in 2021, 7.50 lakh in 2022, and a record 7.65 lakh in 2023, according to the Bureau of Immigration Statistics. While pursuing higher education in prestigious institutions abroad might seem like a dream come true, the reality for many of these students is far from ideal.
If you land in London, one of the busiest and most cosmopolitan cities in the world, and walk down the bustling streets lined with shops, pubs, and restaurants, you will observe one thing that stands out is the high number of Indian and other Asian staff working in these establishments. It’s not uncommon to see young people serving coffee, cleaning tables, or working as sales assistants. Having talked with some of these individuals, it was shocking to know their stories, their true plight in a foreign land.
These are not just any workers; many of them are highly educated students from India, Pakistan, and other Asian countries, holding master’s degrees from top universities. A young girl serving coffee in a Starbucks who had a master’s degree in finance expresses how she is compelled to work in a café thus being deceived of her dreams. Many times, it has been a common scenario where customers berate students serving burgers at fast-food restaurants, and note that these students are qualified for better jobs with master’s degrees with them
In London, it’s common to see such highly qualified individuals working in restaurants, pubs, and even kids’ summer camps. Delving deeper into their stories, a common theme emerged. Many of these students had taken substantial loans from banks to pursue further education in the UK, with high hopes of securing decent jobs corresponding to their qualifications. Unfortunately, they found the reality to be starkly different. Unable to find suitable employment, they are compelled to take on low-paying jobs to repay their loans.
The picture collected after having talked to many Indian students in the UK is unacceptable as it is found that the students were lured or assured of numerous lucrative job opportunities after they complete their studies at the respective universities, but the realities are quite the contrast.
It’s heartbreaking to see these bright young minds, who have likely never had to work in such capacities back home, now sharing tiny rooms with two or three other students and struggling to make ends meet. These are students who were probably pampered by their parents and had high aspirations for their futures.
The situation raises a poignant question: Why can’t India be self-sufficient in educating its youth? Why are we sending millions of our brightest minds abroad, contributing to the economies of foreign countries while our own country suffers from a brain drain?
India’s education system has made significant strides, but the demand for higher education far exceeds the supply. The allure of studying at globally recognized universities, coupled with the perceived higher quality of education and better job prospects abroad, drives many students to seek opportunities outside India. However, the mismatch between expectations and reality often leads to disillusionment.
The financial burden is another critical factor. Many students take on hefty loans to cover tuition fees and living expenses, only to find themselves working low-paying jobs in foreign countries to repay these debts. This not only affects their morale but also their career trajectories.
The impact on India is profound. We are losing not just money but also our young, talented individuals who could contribute significantly to our nation’s progress. If India could develop more world-class universities and create ample opportunities for these students within the country, we could retain this talent and foster innovation and growth domestically.
India’s policymakers need to address this issue urgently. By investing in higher education infrastructure, improving the quality of education, and creating more opportunities for young graduates, we can prevent this exodus of talent. Additionally, partnerships with foreign universities to establish campuses in India and offering scholarships and incentives to retain our students can be effective strategies.
The sight of Indian students working in low-paying jobs abroad is a sobering reminder of the challenges we face. It’s a call to action for India to become self-sufficient in education and provide our youth with the opportunities they deserve. Only then can we hope to harness the full potential of our talented minds and secure a prosperous future for our country.
(The author is a Motivational Speaker, a former Airline Commercial Pilot for the Boeing series/Airbus 340/330, and presently resides in the UK)
