Do Indian parents pressure students into going abroad unnecessarily?
Yes—in many Indian families, parents do pressure students into going abroad even when it may not be necessary or suitable. But again, the issue is layered and emotional, not just right vs wrong. Here’s a grounded, honest analysis—especially relevant in today’s India 🇮🇳👇
Why Indian parents push “foreign education”
1. Abroad = success (social conditioning)
For many parents:
-
Foreign degree = higher status
-
Relatives/neighbours = constant comparison
-
“Log kya kahenge?” still drives decisions
Often, the destination matters more than the degree.
2. Escape from Indian competition
Parents believe:
-
Indian education is overcrowded
-
Foreign universities are “easier”
-
A foreign degree guarantees confidence, exposure, and English fluency
Reality:
👉 Competition abroad doesn’t disappear—it changes form (academics + survival + mental pressure).
3. Migration disguised as education
Some parents quietly hope:
-
“At least the child will settle”
-
“Life abroad is safer and more stable”
So education becomes a PR strategy, not a learning plan.
4. Consultant and peer influence
-
Consultants market success stories aggressively
-
Friends’ children already abroad become benchmarks
-
Failures are rarely discussed at family gatherings
This creates selective optimism.
When the pressure becomes unhealthy
Parents may push even when:
-
The student lacks clarity or interest
-
Emotional maturity is low
-
Finances are stretched dangerously
-
The chosen course has weak employability
-
The child is using abroad as an escape from academics
This often leads to:
-
Anxiety and guilt in students
-
Poor academic performance abroad
-
Dropouts or low-skill jobs despite expensive degrees
The student’s silent conflict
Many students don’t say no because:
-
“Parents are investing so much”
-
“Everyone expects me to go”
-
“What if I disappoint them?”
So they go abroad unprepared and unsure.
Important balance: parents are not villains
Most parents:
-
Want better safety, dignity, and opportunity for their child
-
Are acting out of love, fear, and limited information
-
Trust consultants and success narratives
The problem is pressure without informed choice.
Comments
Post a Comment