Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Indian student regrets moving to Canada, lists reasons in Reddit post

The post highlighted three key reasons behind the regret

Indian student regrets moving to Canada

The student has sparked widespread conversation on social media after sharing a Reddit post

iStock

An Indian student currently studying in Canada has sparked widespread conversation on social media after sharing a Reddit post detailing their struggles and regrets about moving abroad. The post, which went viral on the r/delhi subreddit, offered a candid look at the realities many international students face when moving to countries like Canada in search of better opportunities. Titled “I regret moving to Canada,” the post highlights three major issues international students often grapple with: exploitation by colleges, financial struggles, and mental health challenges.

The student begins by addressing the common perception in India that moving abroad, particularly to countries like Canada, offers better opportunities and a path to a more successful future. “Every day, I see people in India dreaming of moving abroad, believing there are better opportunities. But let me give you a reality check. I live in Canada, and it is not what it seems,” they wrote. They then proceeded to explain how international students are often seen as a business by both colleges and the government, with many realising too late that they have been misled about the prospects awaiting them in Canada.


The student begins by addressing the common perception in IndiaReddit

1. The college scam

The first issue the student raised was what they referred to as "The College Scam." According to their post, many international students enrol in private or low-ranking colleges that charge excessively high tuition fees but provide very little in return. These colleges often promise quality education and good career prospects, but the student claims that the reality is far from it. "Professors barely put in effort, the curriculum is outdated, and the degree is nearly useless in the job market," they explained.

One particularly damning aspect of this so-called scam is that without "Canadian experience," many international students find themselves unable to secure jobs in their chosen fields. Instead, they are forced into what the students call "survival jobs," such as working as Uber drivers, warehouse labourers, or in retail, just to cover basic living expenses. All the while, students are burdened with mounting tuition debt, making real career growth an unattainable dream.

The student also specifically called out Bow Valley College in Calgary as “the worst school” in the city, expressing their frustration at how international students are often lured into such institutions with false promises.

2. Financial struggles and exploitation

The second issue highlighted in the post revolves around the financial difficulties that international students face while living in Canada. The high cost of living, which includes expensive rent, groceries, and other basic necessities, forces students to work long hours in minimum-wage jobs just to survive. “Work-life balance doesn’t exist - you either work or you don’t eat,” the student wrote, summarising the dire situation that many students find themselves in.

Moreover, the student also highlighted the exploitation that international students often endure in the Canadian workforce. Many students are paid under the table for illegal wages by employers who take advantage of their precarious situation. "If you complain, they’ll just replace you with the next desperate student," the post continued, shedding light on the harsh working conditions that many students endure just to make ends meet.

3. Mental health and loneliness

The third and final reason cited by the student is the emotional and mental toll that comes with living in Canada as an international student. The isolation, coupled with the financial and academic struggles, can have a devastating impact on one's mental health. “In India, you have a strong support system - friends, family, festivals, and community. In Canada, you’ll be isolated, constantly working, and struggling to connect with people,” they explained.

The student described the challenges of building meaningful relationships in Canada, noting that while Canadians are polite, they can also be distant. "Real friendships are rare," they said, adding that the constant busyness of life as an international student makes it difficult to even connect with members of their own community. Depression and loneliness, according to the post, are common struggles, with many students suffering in silence, unable to share their experiences.

The student described the challenges of building meaningful relationshipsReddit

A word of caution

The student concluded their post with a message for those considering moving abroad. They urged others to think carefully before making the leap, warning that life in Canada may not live up to the idealised image that many have. “India is growing, and opportunities are improving. If you work smart, you can build a great life without sacrificing your mental health, family, and dignity,” they advised.

“The West sells you an illusion, but once you get here, you realise you’ve been brainwashed. Don’t fall for the trap - stay in India, invest in yourself, and build something meaningful at home,” the post concluded, offering a sobering perspective on the realities of life as an international student in Canada.

This viral Reddit post has resonated with many, sparking a broader conversation about the difficulties faced by international students and the challenges of moving abroad in search of a better future. For those dreaming of opportunities in foreign lands, it serves as a reminder to approach the decision with caution and to be prepared for the potential struggles that may lie ahead.

More For You

Cat food

The FDA warned those who may have purchased the affected cat food to not feed it to their pets or donate it

iStock

Cat food brand Savage Pet recalls products due to bird flu contamination

Savage Pet has issued a recall for some of its raw chicken cat food products over concerns of bird flu (H5N1) contamination. The recall affects 66 large 84-ounce boxes and 74 small 21-ounce boxes of their product, which bear the lot code and best-by date of 15 November 2026. The cat food is packaged in distinctive cardboard boxes with handles shaped like a cat’s head and marked with a yellow outline around the company’s logo.

The contaminated products were distributed to retailers in five states: California, Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised customers who purchased these products to return them to the retailer for a refund. Feeding the contaminated food to pets or donating it to shelters is not recommended due to the risk of spreading the virus.

Keep ReadingShow less
St Patrick’s Day Celebrations to Bring Festivities Across NI

Parades and festivities across the country

Getty Images

St Patrick’s Day celebrations set to bring festivities across Northern Ireland

As Northern Ireland gears up for St Patrick's Day, tens of thousands are expected to take part in parades and festivities across the country. From Belfast to Londonderry, Enniskillen to Ballycastle, communities are preparing for a day of celebration that blends culture, music, and tradition. The festivities will highlight Northern Ireland’s rich heritage, with both small towns and major cities joining in the celebrations.

A major celebration in Belfast

Belfast is at the heart of this year's celebrations, where a 17-day programme has been running throughout March, with the St Patrick’s Day parade serving as the centrepiece. This year, the city's parade will leave from City Hall at 13:30 GMT, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate Irish culture and history. The city’s festivities are a vibrant, multicultural celebration, embracing music, culture, and the Irish language.

Keep ReadingShow less
Wetherspoons Drops Steaks & Meat Dishes Across the UK!

These traditional pub meals are a key part of the Wetherspoons experience

iStock

Wetherspoons drops steaks and popular meat dishes across UK to cut costs

Wetherspoons, the popular British pub chain known for its affordable food and drink, is set to remove some of its best-loved meat dishes from menus across the UK. The decision will see steak, mixed grills, and gammon disappear by May 2025, according to an email sent to staff by CEO John Huston. The move is part of the company’s strategy to combat rising meat prices, with these items reportedly being its “biggest loss-makers.”

Rising costs force menu changes

In the email, Huston explained that increasing meat prices have made it difficult for Wetherspoons to keep offering these dishes at prices that appeal to its budget-conscious customers. After much internal discussion, the company decided to cut the three meat dishes from the menu. Huston said, “After much debate, steaks, mixed grills, and gammon are being removed from the menu. A new gourmet burger range and the introduction of a 6oz burger patty as the standard size will replace them.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Arctic air

Heavy snow falls on Cleeve Hill

Getty images

Arctic air brings brings cold snap to UK, weather warnings issued

The recent spring warmth enjoyed across much of the UK has been replaced by a bitter cold snap as Arctic air sweeps in from the north. This shift in weather has brought a stark contrast to the sunny conditions experienced just days ago, with temperatures plunging and snow showers appearing in several areas.

On Wednesday, snow showers were reported in parts of the Southern Uplands, Shropshire Hills, and the Cotswolds. Even racegoers attending day two of the Cheltenham Festival were met with a brief spell of snow, much to their surprise. The sudden cold has prompted the Met Office to issue a yellow warning for ice, affecting parts of northern England, particularly the Pennines and the Peak District. This warning extends into early Thursday, as icy conditions on roads and pavements pose potential hazards.

Keep ReadingShow less