“I Regret Moving to Canada”: Indian Student’s Viral Post Exposes Harsh Realities of Life Abroad
A Reddit post titled “I Regret Moving to Canada” has ignited a heated debate about the challenges faced by international students, particularly those from India, who move abroad in pursuit of a better future. The anonymous post, shared by a student currently living in Canada, has gone viral, revealing the darker side of the so-called “dream life” in the West.
The Redditor accused the Canadian government and educational institutions of exploiting international students as part of a “business model.” According to the post, many students enroll in private or low-ranking colleges that charge sky-high tuition fees but offer poor-quality education. “Professors barely put in effort, the curriculum is outdated, and the degree is nearly useless in the job market,” the user wrote.
I regret moving to Canada
byu/Hefty-Ad1 indelhi
The student specifically called out Bow Valley College in Calgary as “the worst school,” claiming that without “Canadian experience,” graduates are often forced to take up low-paying survival jobs like driving for Uber, working in warehouses, or retail. The post also highlighted the exorbitant cost of living in Canada, with rent, groceries, and other necessities being far more expensive than many students anticipate.
“Most students end up working long hours at minimum-wage jobs just to survive. Work-life balance doesn’t exist—you either work or you don’t eat,” the Redditor shared. The post further alleged that many employers exploit international students by paying them illegally low wages, knowing they can easily be replaced if they complain.
Beyond financial struggles, the emotional toll of living abroad was another key issue raised. “Canadians are polite but distant, and real friendships are rare. Depression and loneliness hit hard, and many students suffer in silence,” the user wrote.
The Redditor urged aspiring students to reconsider moving abroad, arguing that India is growing and offers better opportunities. “The West sells you an illusion, but once you get here, you realize you’ve been brainwashed. Stay in India, invest in yourself, and build something meaningful at home,” they advised.
The post has sparked a wave of reactions online, with many agreeing with the struggles described, while others defended Canada as a land of opportunity. One user commented, “The West is cool when you have a job and a company paying your salary. It’s not cool when you’re drowning in debt and working labor jobs.” Another countered, “I moved to Canada in 2022, and it’s awesome here. If you followed others like sheep and went to a random college in Ontario, it’s your fault.”
Some blamed Indian students for having unrealistic expectations, with one user stating, “People never understand the difference between a happy life and a comfortable life. You can’t have both.”
As the debate continues, the post serves as a stark reminder for aspiring migrants to carefully weigh the pros and cons of moving abroad, rather than blindly chasing a dream that may not live up to its promises.
