For many young Nigerians, the dream of moving abroad, especially to countries like Canada, seems like the ultimate goal. With social media flooded with images of luxury lifestyles, fancy cars, and high-paying jobs, it’s easy to believe that life outside Nigeria is automatically better. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
But what if that dream is just an illusion?
A young man from Delhi, India, who recently moved to Canada, has taken to social media to share his regrets, calling the entire experience a “scam.” His story is a wake-up call for those who believe that relocating abroad guarantees a better life.
“I Regret Moving to Canada” – The Bitter Truth
The young man shared his frustrations in a now-viral Reddit post, revealing that his expectations of a comfortable life abroad were shattered upon arrival. He described Canada as a place with a poor work-life balance, expensive living costs, and an exploitative system that takes advantage of international students.
“Every day, I see people in India dreaming of moving abroad, believing there are better opportunities. But let me give you a reality check—I live in Canada, and it is not what it seems,” he wrote.
According to him, Canadian colleges and universities have turned international students into a business. Many arrive with the hope of securing good jobs after graduation, only to find themselves stuck in low-paying survival jobs, struggling to pay rent and make ends meet.
“Once you land here, you realise you’ve been scammed,” he continued.
The Harsh Reality of Life Abroad
One of the biggest misconceptions about moving abroad is that success comes easily. However, many immigrants soon realise that:
- The cost of living is extremely high – Rent, food, and transportation eat up most of their income.
- Work-life balance is terrible – Many work multiple jobs just to survive, leaving little time for family or personal growth.
- Degrees don’t guarantee jobs – Many international students end up in menial jobs unrelated to their qualifications.
- Homesickness and loneliness set in – Being far from family and cultural roots takes a toll on mental health.
“Stay Home and Build Something Meaningful”
Rather than chasing an illusion, the man encourages young people to focus on opportunities in their home country.
“India is growing, and opportunities are improving. If you work smart, you can build a great life without sacrificing your mental health, family, and dignity. The West sells you an illusion, but once you get here, you realise you’ve been brainwashed.”
This sentiment is not unique to India. Many Nigerians who relocate abroad soon discover that life in the diaspora is not as glamorous as they imagined.
While moving abroad can offer opportunities, it is not an automatic ticket to success. Hard work, strategy, and financial planning are key, whether at home or abroad.
So before making that big move, ask yourself: is it really worth it?
What do you think? Is life abroad truly better, or is it all just an illusion? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 👇🏽
