Going into debt, won't get jobs': US woman says Indian students doing masters in US are falling for a scam

A Reddit post has sparked discussions about the struggles Indian students face when pursuing Master's degrees in the US, highlighting financial hardships and job market challenges.

A 26-year-old American woman shared her concerns on Reddit about the increasing number of Indian students enrolling in Master's programs at US universities. In a post that gained significant attention, she expressed fears that many of these students might be unknowingly following a misleading path.

The woman, who works at a US university, used her employee benefits to pursue a Master's degree in Computer Science. She noted that the majority of her classmates were Indian, which she found unusual for a non-target school.

Motivations and Hopes

Through conversations, she discovered that many Indian students believe that obtaining an American degree will help them secure a visa and a job in the US. However, she doubted this belief, given the competitive job market. "I think it's going to be really hard for all of these kids to get jobs in the US—it's already hard for American kids," she remarked.

Financial Strain and Uncertain Prospects

A significant concern she raised was the financial burden these students face. "They are coming here going into debt, the professors aren’t even good, and they probably won’t be able to get a job in the US," she wrote, likening the pursuit to a potential "scam"—a costly endeavor with uncertain outcomes. She expressed empathy for the students, acknowledging that many might not fully understand the difficulties they will face after graduation.

Cultural Differences and Classroom Etiquette

The woman also shared her experiences with cultural differences in the classroom. "The Indian kids have brutal classroom etiquette; they are loudly talking while the professor is, which would never ever be tolerated in a typical American classroom," she noted, adding another layer to the complex dynamics of studying alongside a majority of international students.

Internet Reactions and Conversations

Her post resonated with many, receiving nearly 590 upvotes and over 200 comments. Reactions varied, with some users echoing her concerns and others defending the ambitions of international students.

One user wrote, “The situation is complicated, but you have to admire their drive.” Another said, “Debt and visa issues are a harsh reality, but it’s not all doom and gloom for everyone.” A third added, “It's not a scam but a self-reinforced delusion that many Indian students go through. Come to America for MS, any university, work 3 years on OPT, make tons of money. Get the H-1b, make more money. If no H-1b, go back to school or go to Canada. And then rinse and repeat. If only it all worked this way.”