Indian engineer's friend regrets U.S. study loan, fears return home amid debt and joblessness

An Indian software engineer's cautionary tale highlights the harsh realities behind the "American Dream." His friend, a computer science graduate, turned down a lucrative offer of 900,000 rupees (approximately $10,800 USD) annually from Tech Mahindra.

Instead, he followed peers to the U.S. for a master's degree, taking out a loan of 4 million rupees (about $48,000 USD). After completing his studies in December 2024, he faced a job market where visa sponsorship and preference for local candidates created insurmountable barriers.

His father, who had been helping repay the loan, lost his own job, intensifying the family's financial strain. The friend now works odd jobs, lacking opportunities for skill development, and contemplates returning to India. However, he is paralyzed by the fear of social stigma and the weight of his debt.

"Sometimes, the American dream is not the glamorous life shown on social media," the engineer wrote, noting that many endure silent suffering, even depression. The narrative serves as a stark reminder that the pursuit of overseas education can lead to unforeseen hardships.

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Sometimes, the American dream is not the glamorous life shown on social media. Many people are silently suffering and even falling into depression.