The dream of settling abroad often starts with a rosy picture of a high salary, better work-life balance, and a picture-perfect life on social media. The promise of earning in dollars or euros, travelling across Europe, and building a successful career can be highly fascinating and attractive.But as it is often said, behind every rosy picture lies an aisle of thorns. We discuss the rewards, but the price is rarely discussed. That is the question an Indian living in Paris has raised in a video that is now resonating with thousands online. Instead of dismissing the idea of moving overseas, he urges aspiring students and professionals to make one simple change before taking the leap: understand the full picture, not just the success stories.
The hidden side of the ‘foreign dream’
In an Instagram video, Tanishq Lohan challenged a familiar narrative that many young Indians hear while planning to study or work abroad.According to him, conversations often revolve around dominated by glowing accounts of high-paying jobs and financial success. Young people are frequently told that once they move to countries such as the United States, Australia, or France, earning a part-time income is relatively easy. And also a full-time job will eventually secure their future.Lohan argued that while such outcomes are certainly possible. They represent only one side of the story.He advised those planning to relocate to first understand the realities that rarely make it into motivational videos or social media posts.
A price tag that goes beyond money
One of the strongest points in Lohan’s message was that moving abroad involves far more than paying university fees or booking a flight.He pointed out that many students begin their overseas journey burdened with education loans that can range from ₹50 lakh to ₹60 lakh or even higher. It depends on the course and country. In some cases, families stretch their finances by dipping into life savings or selling assets to fund the dream.However, the financial burden is only one part of the equation. Lohan said there are emotional costs that remain largely invisible. Leaving behind parents, siblings, friends, and familiar surroundings can be difficult. Building a life in a new country often means starting from scratch and learning a different language. It means understanding a new culture and constantly searching for part-time or full-time employment.“These are all also costs, which people don’t talk about,” he said in the video.
Success abroad is possible, but not instant
Despite highlighting the challenges, Lohan made it clear that he was not discouraging people from moving overseas.Instead, he emphasized that those who come with realistic expectations are more likely to make it. For him, creating a successful life in another country takes time, perseverance, and the ability to work hard for an extended amount of time.He informed his audience that social media tends to showcase only those times of happiness, weekend getaways, beautiful pictures, and career achievements and not the months and years of hard work before that.In short, the rewards are real, but so is the hard work one needs to put in to attain them.
A conversation that struck a chord
The video quickly drew supportive reactions from social media users, many of whom appreciated its balanced perspective.Several viewers remarked that discussions around studying or working abroad are often polarised. Some portray migration as the ultimate path to success, while others dismiss it entirely. They felt Lohan’s observations offered a more nuanced view by acknowledging both the opportunities and the sacrifices involved.Others echoed his belief that hard work remains unavoidable, regardless of where one chooses to live.
Beyond the glamour
The fascination with life abroad has long been fuelled by images of better infrastructure, stronger currencies and global career opportunities. Those aspirations are not misplaced. There are many Indians who have managed to establish themselves in foreign countries because of sheer hard work and determination.But Lohan’s video provides a very important lesson to us that migration cannot be equated with success.Success stories can have many other ingredients like paying off loans, cultural adjustments, nostalgia, and continuous efforts in their background, which are not generally mentioned on Facebook pages.So, for all those who are planning to migrate to a foreign land, the important thing is whether they are ready for everything else along with the dream.