NEW DELHI, July 3, 2026 — A 26-year-old Indian student who returned home after spending five years in Canada has sparked widespread discussion on social media after sharing the emotional and personal challenges of readjusting to life in India following an unsuccessful attempt to obtain Canadian permanent residency.
In a post on Reddit, the former international student described the experience as “heartbreaking,” saying the greatest challenge was not returning home itself, but the noticeable change in how family members and others treated them after they were no longer earning an income abroad.
The student explained that while studying in Canada, they regularly sent money home to help cover family expenses and loan payments, despite continuing to repay a student loan. During that period, they felt respected and appreciated.
However, after returning to India without securing permanent residency or immediate employment, they said the attitude of some relatives and acquaintances changed dramatically.
“Everywhere I go, someone asks, ‘Why aren’t you married yet?’ or ‘When are you getting married?’ I’m only 26, but it feels like that’s all people care about,” the student wrote.
The individual also shared that they were frequently told they had not worked hard enough to remain in Canada and were criticised for returning home.
“The contrast in how people spoke to me when I was abroad versus how they treat me now is honestly heartbreaking. It feels like your value depends entirely on where you live and how much money you’re bringing in,” the post stated.
In one of the most emotional passages, the student admitted experiencing moments of despair, writing that they had even wondered whether they should have remained in Canada illegally, while acknowledging that doing so would not have been the right decision.
The post quickly gained widespread attention on social media, with many users expressing sympathy and sharing similar experiences after returning from studying or working overseas.
One commenter encouraged the student to focus on rebuilding their career, saying, “If tomorrow you get a good job, the same people will call you successful.”
Another user, who had recently returned from the United States, said they had experienced similar changes in how people perceived them after coming home.
Others suggested maintaining emotional distance from negative comments and concentrating on personal goals rather than social expectations.
The discussion has highlighted the emotional, financial and social pressures faced by many international students who return home after studying abroad, particularly those dealing with employment uncertainty, student debt and changing family expectations.
Source: Adapted from NDTV and Reddit.