‘I Regret Moving to Canada’: Indian Student’s Viral Post Sparks Debate on Life Abroad

“The Reddit user claims Canada exploits international students, calling the education system a ‘business model’ and warning about financial struggles and loneliness.”

March 19, 2025 | Canada

A Reddit post titled “I Regret Moving to Canada” has gone viral, drawing attention to the harsh realities faced by Indian students who migrate abroad for higher education. The anonymous Redditor, currently residing in Canada, describes the Canadian education system as a “business model” that preys on international students, urging aspiring migrants to rethink their plans.

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“Canadian Colleges Exploit International Students”

The user alleged that most Indian students enroll in low-ranking colleges with high tuition fees, only to receive subpar education and a nearly useless degree in return.

I regret moving to Canada
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“Professors barely put in effort, the curriculum is outdated, and the degree is nearly useless in the job market. Employers don’t even take your diploma seriously,” the Redditor wrote.

The student specifically named Bow Valley College in Calgary as “the worst school” and highlighted the struggles of securing jobs without ‘Canadian experience’. Many graduates, they claim, are left with no choice but to take survival jobs like Uber, warehouse work, or retail, just to cover basic expenses.

“Survival Jobs, High Rent, and No Work-Life Balance”

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The post highlights another major shock—Canada’s high cost of living.

“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.”

Many employers allegedly exploit international students by paying illegally low wages, knowing that they can easily replace those who complain.

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“Loneliness and Depression Are Real”

Beyond financial struggles, the Redditor claims that isolation and mental health issues are major problems for students.

“Canadians are polite but distant, and real friendships are rare. Depression and loneliness hit hard, and many students suffer in silence.”

The post ends with a strong warning to those planning to move abroad, suggesting that India’s growing economy offers better opportunities than the ‘illusion’ of a better life in Canada.

“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.”

Debate Erupts Online

The viral post has triggered a heated debate, with some agreeing and others blaming students for unrealistic expectations.

🔹 One user supported the concerns, writing:

“The West is great when you have a job and a company paying you a salary. But if you’re drowning in debt and doing labor jobs, it’s not cool at all.”

🔹 Others defended Canada, arguing that proper planning makes all the difference:

“I moved to Canada in 2022, and it’s awesome. If you blindly followed others and picked a random college in Ontario, that’s your fault.”

🔹 Some blamed Indian students for their struggles:

“People don’t understand the difference between a happy life and a comfortable life. You can’t have both.”

The debate continues, with many students sharing their own experiences of both success and struggle in Canada.

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Tags:

#CanadaImmigration, #IndianStudentsAbroad, #StudyAbroad, #LifeInCanada, #StudentStruggles, #CanadaVsIndia, #HigherEducation, #CanadaCostOfLiving, #JobMarket, #MentalHealth