An Indian-origin techie has claimed that the much-coveted “American dream” is crumbling for many international students, after sharing the story of a graduate who is now trapped under the weight of a massive education loan and no job offers.
The San Francisco-based professional wrote that someone she personally knows had taken a Rs 50 lakh loan to pursue higher education in the United States. After completing his degree, he reportedly failed to secure a single job offer. Forced to return to Mumbai, he is now earning just Rs 20,000 a month at an Indian start-up, while his retired father pays a Rs 75,000 monthly EMI from his pension.
“This is the story universities don’t want you to hear,” she claimed in her viral post. “He just walked across a graduation stage in America on Sunday… and boarded a flight back to Mumbai with: a 60,000 dollar degree, a Rs 50 lakh loan, zero job offers.”
The techie further claimed that the student’s plight is not an isolated case, but a growing reality as the once-robust US job market for international graduates tightens. While she acknowledged America still offers world-class research, merit-driven workplaces and opportunities for growth, she said the “job market that once absorbed every STEM graduate is drying up fast.”
Social media weighs in
The post triggered a heated debate online, with many echoing similar experiences.
One user wrote, “Very well put! We need more honest stories, not just flashy LinkedIn success ones.”
Another said, “Education is good in India, but they don’t use their brains there. Long ago, people went to the USA and flaunted big salaries. It was a different time. If everyone goes now, how can they all get jobs?”
Others pointed out that the situation was not limited to America. “Same is with UK, Australia, Canada… people are forced to do odd jobs like shopkeeper, cleaner, burger maker. Don’t waste your precious Rs 50-60 lakh,” one commenter wrote.
Another admitted they too were on the same path, “Probably going to go down the same road myself soon. Rs 50 lakh loan, no net money earned in the USA. Struggling with job search, visa issues, and constant stress.”
The viral claim has struck a chord with countless young Indians and parents considering expensive overseas education.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a user-generated social media post. ET.com has not independently verified the claims made in the post and does not endorse their accuracy. The views expressed are solely those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of ET.com. Readers are advised to exercise discretion.
The San Francisco-based professional wrote that someone she personally knows had taken a Rs 50 lakh loan to pursue higher education in the United States. After completing his degree, he reportedly failed to secure a single job offer. Forced to return to Mumbai, he is now earning just Rs 20,000 a month at an Indian start-up, while his retired father pays a Rs 75,000 monthly EMI from his pension.
“This is the story universities don’t want you to hear,” she claimed in her viral post. “He just walked across a graduation stage in America on Sunday… and boarded a flight back to Mumbai with: a 60,000 dollar degree, a Rs 50 lakh loan, zero job offers.”
The techie further claimed that the student’s plight is not an isolated case, but a growing reality as the once-robust US job market for international graduates tightens. While she acknowledged America still offers world-class research, merit-driven workplaces and opportunities for growth, she said the “job market that once absorbed every STEM graduate is drying up fast.”
Social media weighs in
The post triggered a heated debate online, with many echoing similar experiences.One user wrote, “Very well put! We need more honest stories, not just flashy LinkedIn success ones.”
Another said, “Education is good in India, but they don’t use their brains there. Long ago, people went to the USA and flaunted big salaries. It was a different time. If everyone goes now, how can they all get jobs?”
Others pointed out that the situation was not limited to America. “Same is with UK, Australia, Canada… people are forced to do odd jobs like shopkeeper, cleaner, burger maker. Don’t waste your precious Rs 50-60 lakh,” one commenter wrote.
Another admitted they too were on the same path, “Probably going to go down the same road myself soon. Rs 50 lakh loan, no net money earned in the USA. Struggling with job search, visa issues, and constant stress.”
The viral claim has struck a chord with countless young Indians and parents considering expensive overseas education.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a user-generated social media post. ET.com has not independently verified the claims made in the post and does not endorse their accuracy. The views expressed are solely those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of ET.com. Readers are advised to exercise discretion.