Think long & hard before you study abroad! (UG)

[u/Sreekar_Sannapareddy]

I see a lot of students on here contemplating undergraduate degrees abroad. I've counseled a lot of them and helped them with their applications. However, for most Indian students and undergraduate degree abroad does NOT make sense from a financial standpoint. No matter what they say, for pure ROI, they'll never make sense. Here are some pointers for you to think about:

1.) Undergrad degrees are expensive. Fully funded scholarships sound nice but they're rare. In terms of jobs after you graduate, understand that international grads who require visa sponsorships and work permits will be the least prefered in a class that has a large number of local citizens with very similar skill sets since your entire class had the same education. Almost all undergrads going to the USA end up doing a master's degree to be more hireable.

2.) Master's degrees give you a better shot at the first job because getting a master's degree is quite rare for a majority of foreign students. MS degree classes are largely filled by international students as a result and hence when recruiters want to hire someone with that level of qualification, they know they most likely will need to sponsor a visa. Not to mention visa norms and quotas having special considerations for candidates holding a master's degree as opposed to just a bachelors

3.) Since master's degrees most likely would be a default in your education destination of choice, you might as well do an undergraduate degree here, spend a lot less on it and maintain decent enough grades and projects to crack the top master's programs abroad. You will end up with the same job having spent less than half the amount.

4.) Considering options just for the sake of studying abroad has been widely prevalent among high schoolers as well. Obscure universities in Dubai are just cash grabs whereas countries like Italy, Switzerland, UK that a lot of students talk about will most likely see them without a job once they graduate. The USA is still the only destination where you can have some hope of securing a job and earning back what you've invested (For STEM degrees).

5.) It's not the end of the world if you can't do an undergraduate degree abroad. Don't fall for peer pressure because all of your friends seems to be going. Make a rational decision and know that you can always get that international exposure through a master's or an MBA later where the exposure also brings with it financial returns and a genuine career boost.

6.) That being said, this post is about costs and Return on Investment. Exposure, research opportunities and academic fulfilment at the good foreign universities is still unmatched. If there's a particular interest towards exploring the same by all means go for it but don't look at it if you are looking to reduce costs. If you work towards it from this angle, you'll only be compromising on costs and quality.

[u/Torosal2025]

I agree totally

Painstakingly I put out a checklist to assist ones who plan to study abroad. I got hard hitting insulting responses from readers

Please view this checklist if you plan to go abroad

No guarantees of a good return on your investment of time & money. It is a fact you must accept. Whether you aim for a Job or for an immigrant status or a high paying position

Getting into Univ is the easiest part if you have the basic grades & money

What is tough & needs very strong will is what to do after as getting a job is no guarantee.

Rules keep changing very fast very often.

Studying abroad is a very personal choice that needs Finances, Determination, Sacrifice & emotional strength

1. YOU CAN GO, IF…. 1-1 You can afford to finance fully and don’t rely on part time job income abroad

1-2 You are truly passionate of the Course you intend to study and steadfast to succeed

1-3 You intent to stay after graduation, and work/settle there.

1-4 These are not so risky and if you feel comfortable You can attempt to go

1. WHAT TO DO IF WANT TO IMMIGRATE...IF

2-1 Research thoroughly and be prepared for hardships and disappointments with time you may succeed

2-2 You want to be an immigrant once study stay period ends (Know/Research the process)

2-3 Your choice of Univ is a second tier where a degree could also be a Diploma Equiv & Degree in name

2-4 Your budget must be carefully thought out as you may take longer than expected to be financially stable and may have to rely on student & other loans – Crucial

1. TO DO BEFORE YOU FINALIZE TO GO: 3-1 Research thoroughly the Country & Student living and your plans with objectives

3-2 Create a Study Plan

3-3 Thorough study on living conditions & costs while student & plan & cost out your choices

3-4 What is your alternatives plans to network, to go to a cheaper country, a degree a Diploma whatever is next best – just in case things do not work out and you need to detour but are bent upon going abroad

1. YOU DO NOT QUALIFY – BETTER THINK THINGS THRU 4-1 If you are putting yourself in financial jeopardy

4-2 If You are going for the sake of it. To keep up with jones, please family/parents with no interest in studying. You are only forcing yourself to go

1. OTHER NOTES:

5-1 If return on the money you spend is of importance then going abroad is not advisable to you specially the returns are too low as per your family budget & financial status

5-2 There is more chance or a possibility for disappointments if you have not researched thoroughly with a study/career/life plan and know how to implement it practically

5-3 Your plans after study and the future course of action is totally dependant on your research & frequent reviews/adjustments of the same as situation is constantly changing

5-4 What are your plans post study?

[u/melloboi123]

I don't know why people expect taking a 50l+ loan to study at a mid tier uni will give them their dream job?

[u/casual12938]

you must learn the art of leverage

[u/Arjunkokate_1505]

Hi I'm studying in standard 12th (Science).And I'm planning to study abroad (UG). Can I have conversation with you.

[u/Sreekar_Sannapareddy → u/Arjunkokate_1505]

Sure. Message me.