An Indian man living in Europe has shared a viral Instagram video revealing the financial challenges faced by international students abroad. According to reports, Rahul Mahajan's video has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many users agreeing with his assessment of the difficulties faced by Indian students pursuing higher education overseas. The video has highlighted what Mahajan describes as the 'worst condition' for Indian students in foreign countries, particularly in Europe, as they spend substantial amounts of money to move overseas only to find themselves struggling to balance their studies, part-time jobs and mounting financial responsibilities. As per the video, many students who lived a comfortable life in India end up taking on menial jobs after moving abroad, facing a stark contrast to their expectations.
Mahajan specifically pointed to strict work-hour limits as a primary factor in student financial struggles. As reported, he explained that international students are limited to only 20 hours of work per week, making it difficult to earn sufficient income to cover expenses. Despite taking up various jobs, including positions they would not consider in India, students find their income insufficient to manage rent, food, and other daily costs alongside their academic responsibilities. Mahajan emphasized that no matter how small the job is, such money can never be made because of these work restrictions, forcing students to take up different kinds of jobs regardless of how demanding or unfamiliar the work may be. The video specifically noted that students have to do all kinds of work within these limited hours, creating additional pressure on their time and energy.
According to Mahajan's assessment, students face multiple stressors beyond financial constraints. The video highlighted that students must balance classes and work schedules while managing education loans and dealing with family expectations about their return. Mahajan explained that many students move abroad after taking education loans, which adds another layer of stress to their lives as they must worry about repaying the money borrowed for their education while trying to cover accommodation, food and other living expenses. 'Some money cannot be completed, loans are taken from there, and there is pressure to pay off that loan,' he stated, adding that students live under pressure from every side. The video also noted that students face pressure from every side, including taunts about when they will return and the NRI status on their heads, while they must complete their studies and go through the citizenship process.
The viral video has generated significant discussion on social media platforms, with many users supporting Mahajan's views on the challenges of studying abroad. As reported, the video has prompted widespread agreement among social media users who have shared similar experiences or concerns about the financial and emotional pressures faced by international students pursuing higher education overseas. Users responded with comments like 'Yes, I agree with you,' 'This is very true,' 'I completely support what you said,' and 'This is right,' demonstrating widespread recognition of the harsh realities faced by Indian students abroad. The video was shared with the caption 'Many Indian students who lived a comfortable life in India end up taking on menial jobs after moving abroad,' reinforcing the stark contrast between expectations and reality for international students.
