A soul-searching testimony from an anonymous Indian student has ignited a firestorm on Reddit, pulling back the curtain on the gruelling challenges facing international scholars in Canada. The post, which has since gone viral across major international news platforms, serves as a blistering critique of the Western migration promise, with the author stating bluntly: “I regret coming to Canada.” For those envisioning a seamless transition to a prosperous life, the student offers a sobering reality check, branding the “advanced world” lifestyle as an expensive illusion.
The student’s primary allegation is that the Canadian government and its tertiary education sector are effectively “harvesting” international students for revenue. The post describes a system where private and low-ranking colleges demand astronomical tuition fees but provide “substandard education” in return. “Teachers don’t care, the syllabus is archaic, and the degrees are practically worthless in the eyes of recruiters,” the student wrote, specifically citing Bow Valley College in Calgary as a prime example of an institution that fails to deliver on its promises.
The Reality of the ‘Student Experience’ in Canada
| Category | The Immigrant Hope | The Ground Reality |
| Education | High-value global credentials | Outdated curricula; ignored by employers |
| Living Costs | Affordable with part-time work | Crippling rent and grocery inflation |
| Labour | Professional career path | Stuck in “survival jobs” (Uber, warehouses) |
| Mental Health | Vibrant, multicultural social life | Profound isolation and “silent suffering” |
| Security | Protected workers’ rights | Exploitation; easy dismissal for complaining |
The narrative shifts from academic disappointment to economic survival, detailing a life defined by “survival jobs.” Without prior “Canadian work experience,” students are reportedly relegated to back-breaking shifts in warehouses or retail outlets. The author describes a crushing lack of work-life balance, noting that many students are forced to choose between working excessive hours for minimal pay or facing the prospect of hunger. This vulnerability is often exploited by employers who know that for every disgruntled worker, there are hundreds of others waiting to take their place.
Beyond the financial strain, the post highlights a devastating social vacuum. While Canadians are described as polite, the student notes that genuine friendships are rare and difficult to cultivate, leading to a pervasive sense of loneliness. The author concludes with a passionate plea to peers in India: “Stay in your home country.” They argue that Western nations are essentially “selling a dream” that does not exist, and that the emotional and financial cost of the pursuit is far higher than most realise.