Studying Abroad: Problems and Solutions for Nepali Students

This article is based on data from the Ministry of Education, various international student surveys, existing immigration law provisions, and the shared experiences of thousands of Nepali students living abroad.

Its purpose is not to discourage students, but to help them understand the real situation and move ahead with proper preparation.

Table of Content

1. Introduction
2. Pre-departure Problems: Myths and Realities
3. Major Problems After Reaching the Destination Country
4. Legal and Visa-Related Complexities
5. Health Problems and Insurance Limitations
6. Solutions and Practical Approaches
7. How to Handle Specific Crises?
8. Conclusion

Introduction

In the last decade, the number of students leaving Nepal for higher education abroad has increased unexpectedly. According to data from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, in fiscal year 2079/80 alone, more than 110,000 students obtained a No Objection Letter (NOC). Australia, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom (UK), and Japan have become the main destinations for Nepali students.

Political instability in Nepal, lack of employment, and the search for quality education are pushing young people towards foreign countries. Colourful images of life abroad on social media and dreams of “earning in dollars” attract many students. However, most people do not know the real story of struggles that begin after departing from Tribhuvan International Airport.

The problems students face abroad can become so complex that some become mentally disturbed, fall into depression, and in some tragic cases choose the path of suicide.

This article goes deeper than surface-level problems to examine the academic, economic, mental, and legal challenges students face, and presents practical ways to address them.

Pre-departure Problems: Myths and Realities

The problem does not begin only after reaching a foreign country. Its seeds are sown in Nepal from the stage of seeking counselling from consultancies.

Misleading Counseling and Lack of Information

There are thousands of educational consultancies in Nepal. Although some are reputable and honest, many counsellors provide incorrect information to students out of a desire for commission.

Problem: Students are assured, “You can easily cover your tuition fees and living costs by working 20 hours a week.” This is not fully true. In countries like Australia, Canada, or the UK, the cost of living has risen sharply.

Result: Students go abroad without being mentally prepared and become alarmed when they see how expensive life is there.

Financial Burden and the Debt Trap

Going abroad is not cheap. Travelling to Australia or Canada can cost between 2.5 to 4 million Nepali rupees.

Problem: Most middle-class families send their children abroad by mortgaging property or taking loans from cooperatives or banks at interest rates of 12 to 15 percent.

Pressure: As soon as the student sets foot abroad, a heavy pressure falls on their shoulders to pay instalments and interest on loans taken in Nepal. Because of this, they are forced to focus more on work than on studies.

Errors in Documentation

Some students, following the lead of their consultants, submit fake experience certificates or financial documents.

Risk: If the embassy discovers such documents, the visa will not only be rejected but a ban of 5 to 10 years may be imposed.

Major Problems After Reaching the Destination Country

When students reach the destination country, they often find a wide gap between their dreams and the ground reality. The main problems are presented under different headings below.

Accommodation Crisis

In recent years, many cities in Canada, Australia and Europe have faced a severe housing crisis.

High rent: In cities like Sydney, Toronto or London, the rent of a small room alone can take up 50 to 60 percent of a student’s monthly income.

Overcrowded living conditions: To save on rent, students are often forced to live with 4–5 people in a single room or 10–12 people in a single apartment. This destroys privacy and does not provide a proper environment for study.

Scams: There are many cases of students being cheated when they book rooms online.

Job Market Struggles

The belief that “you will get a job as soon as you go abroad” is one of the biggest misconceptions.

Difficulty finding work: New students lack local work experience and have weak communication skills in the local environment. As a result, they may not find a job for the first three to four months and are forced to ask for money from home.

Legal restrictions: Under a student visa, most countries allow only around 20 or 24 hours of work per week. Income from this limited time is usually not enough to cover tuition fees and living costs.

Labour exploitation: To work beyond the legal hourly limit, students seek “cash in hand” jobs. In such jobs, employers may pay far below the government-set minimum wage, sometimes half or even less. Students tolerate such exploitation because they are in desperate need of money.

Differences in the Education System and Risk of Academic Failure

There is a vast difference between Nepal’s education system and that of Western countries.

Habit of rote learning: Students used to passing exams by memorising notes in Nepal struggle with critical thinking, research work, and assignments abroad.

Plagiarism: Copying someone else’s writing or directly lifting text from the internet is treated as a serious academic offence abroad. In Nepal, this is often ignored, but in foreign institutions it can lead to failing a course or being expelled from the college (rusticated).

Language difficulties: Even students who score well in IELTS or PTE may find it difficult to understand professors’ accents in class and to handle academic writing.

Mental Health and Loneliness

This is one of the most serious but least discussed issues.

Homesickness: During festivals, when sick, or when they cannot find work, students strongly miss home and family.

Loneliness: In Nepal, people are used to being surrounded by friends and family. Abroad, they often feel alone. Due to the rush of work and study, there is little time to make new friends.

Depression: Work pressure, study stress, the burden of debt and lack of sleep can push many students into depression and anxiety. Sadly, the suicide rate among Nepali students in Australia and other countries is rising, and mental stress is a key factor.

Japan-Specific Problems

The pattern of problems faced by students in Japan is somewhat different.

Double pressure of language and work: In Japan, classes are also conducted in Japanese. Attendance is compulsory in language schools and vocational colleges. At the same time, students also need to work to cover living expenses.

Lack of sleep: Many students work night shifts and then attend classes in the morning. This leads to severe sleep deprivation, and some students even fall asleep in class.

Legal and Visa-Related Complexities

A student’s future abroad is closely tied to visa conditions and expiry dates.

Course changes (course hopping): Some students transfer from expensive universities to cheaper colleges (for example, from a university to VET providers) because they cannot afford the tuition. This can breach visa conditions and later create problems when applying for a post-study work (PSW) visa or permanent residency (PR).

Visa rejection: Even small mistakes during applications for work permits or PR after completing studies can result in a visa rejection.

Problems related to dependants: The UK has recently restricted students from bringing dependants. In other countries, couples who go on dependent visas often face joblessness or relationship strains. The divorce rate among Nepali couples abroad is increasing.

Health Problems and Insurance Limitations

Expensive treatment: Medical treatment abroad is extremely expensive. Even when students have health insurance (such as OSHC or NHS), it often does not cover dental and eye care.

Diseases not covered by insurance: In many cases, there are long waiting times for non-emergency treatment. Pre-existing conditions that were hidden or not declared before leaving Nepal are not covered by insurance.

Solutions and Practical Approaches

Although the problems look serious, they can be managed with proper planning, preparation, and patience. The following practical solutions are aimed at students, parents, and other concerned stakeholders.

Preparation and Solutions for Students

a) Go Only After Gaining Skills (Skill Acquisition)

Instead of flying abroad immediately after completing grade 12 or a bachelor’s degree, spend at least three to four months in Nepal learning practical skills.

• Commercial cooking: This makes it easier to find work in restaurants.

• Barista skills: Coffee-making training increases chances of getting work in cafes, which often pay better.

• Driving: Obtaining a driving licence and experience in Nepal helps later in doing work such as ride-share driving or delivery. Getting a licence abroad is expensive and difficult.

• Technical skills: Plumbing, electrical work, or hairdressing skills can lead to better-paying cash jobs.

b) Real Language Proficiency

Scoring 6.5 or 7 in IELTS or PTE alone is not enough. Develop the ability to speak, understand and write English in real situations. Build confidence to communicate with foreigners without fear. This helps in obtaining better, white-collar jobs.

c) Financial Planning

• Carry at least the first six months’ tuition fees and three months’ living expenses from Nepal.

• Do not go abroad empty-handed, assuming that you will earn there and pay everything later.

d) Academic Integrity

• Learn what plagiarism is and how to avoid it through YouTube or online courses while still in Nepal.

• Familiarise yourself with referencing styles such as APA, Harvard and others.

e) Mental Preparation and Networking

• Before going abroad, connect with senior Nepali students already living there. However, do not rely solely on their accounts; conduct your own research as well.

• Go with the mindset that “the beginning will be difficult.” Do not consider work such as washing dishes or cleaning as low or inferior.

The Role of Parents

• Do not put pressure on children as soon as they reach abroad by asking, “When will you send money?” or “It is difficult to pay the loan interest.” It can take at least six months to a year for them to settle.

• Understand reality and avoid comparing your children with neighbours’ children who may have bought a car or house. Everyone’s situation is different.

• Maintain regular communication. Instead of talking only about money, ask about their health, food, and emotional state. Video calls can provide emotional support.

The Role of Consultancies and Government

• Provide truthful information: Consultancies should give realistic details about university rankings, cost of living in the city, and the local job situation.

• Active embassies: Nepali embassies abroad should establish help desks to listen to students’ problems and provide free legal counselling where possible.

• Financial literacy and orientation: The government should make pre-departure orientation mandatory for students going abroad. This should include information about local laws, tax systems, and traffic rules.

How to Handle Specific Crises?

If You Cannot Find a Job

• Do not lose hope. Visit your university’s career centre to improve your CV or resume.

• Prepare your CV in the local format used in that country.

• Use LinkedIn and local job portals such as Seek, Indeed, and Glassdoor.

• Attend events organised by the local Nepali community. Referrals can make it easier to find work.

If You Fall Ill

• Always carry a copy of your insurance policy.

• Speak with the college counsellor. Many institutions provide free mental health counselling.

• Before going to a hospital, book an appointment with a general practitioner (GP/doctor). This often reduces costs.

If You Face Visa Problems

• Do not rely on friends’ advice. Consult only a registered migration agent or a qualified lawyer.

• Wrong advice can lead to visa cancellation.

Conclusion

Studying abroad is a valuable opportunity that can provide an international degree, a global network, and life-changing experiences. However, this journey is not a bed of roses; it is also filled with thorns. Behind the “glamour” seen on social media lies hard work, sacrifice, and tears.

The key message for Nepali students is that problems will arise, but they are not impossible to solve. With accurate information, proper preparation, a strong work ethic, and adherence to legal pathways, life abroad can become meaningful and rewarding.

Parents should not see their children as “ATM machines” but as partners in building their future. The government should also view young human resources not only as a source of remittance but create an environment in which the knowledge and skills they gain abroad can later be used in Nepal.

Finally, if you are planning to go abroad, do not rush. Take time to understand the reality, learn useful skills, and strengthen yourself mentally. Your success will depend on your preparation.