Is the US education dream still alive?

You’ve worked hard through school and college, cleared competitive exams, sharpened your communication skills, and prepared yourself for the global stage. For years, your dream has been to study in the United States — the land of Silicon Valley, Wall Street, and world-class universities.

Now imagine this: you finally receive the long-awaited admission letter. In your mind, you have already visualised yourself walking across the campus lawns, attending lectures by global professors, and building a life in the US. You believe that this international exposure will open doors to high-paying opportunities that will also help you repay the hefty education loan your family has taken out.

But just when you thought the path was clear, a storm brews. Policies change. Visa rules tighten. Companies hesitate to hire international students because sponsoring them has become too expensive. News headlines scream uncertainty. And you begin to wonder: Did I make the right choice?

This isn’t just imagination. It is a reality that thousands of Indian students face today. In fact, a recent report highlighted that the number of Indian students heading to the US dropped by 46% in July 2025, a sharp decline caused by shifting immigration and work policies.

The concerns are real. H-1B visa fees for employers have increased sharply, making companies reluctant to hire non-US citizens. Student visas (F-1) are under stricter scrutiny, with longer waiting periods and shorter stays. OPT (Optional Practical Training), which once provided international students with the opportunity to work after graduation, now faces political resistance. Big firms like Google and Deloitte are quietly reducing their intake of international students due to rising costs. For Indian families who take loans of Rs 50–100 lakhs, this situation adds enormous stress. Add to this the social pressure of living abroad amidst uncertainties like racial bias or increased remittance taxes, and the dream begins to feel less promising.

Does this mean the dream is over? Not at all. But it does mean the dream needs to evolve. Every challenge comes with two sides — a warning and an opportunity.

I always advise my counselling students not to put all their eggs in one basket. A single country, no matter how attractive, should not define your future. You must have Plan B — and even Plan C. Smart students today apply to multiple countries. They keep options ready so that one policy change does not shatter years of preparation.

The bigger opportunity lies in realising that the world is far larger than the United States. Many countries are not only opening their doors but actively inviting students to come. The UK allows graduates to work freely for two years with strong earning potential. Germany offers world-class education at little or no tuition fees and provides an 18-month job search visa. Singapore, with its merit-based work visas and thriving business ecosystem, is fast becoming Asia’s global hub. Australia, Ireland, and the Netherlands also have supportive visa systems and world-class programs.

The true value of education does not lie in the country you study in, but in the skills, mindset, and resilience you develop. Whether you are in Seattle, Berlin, Singapore, or Hyderabad, the world wants people with leadership abilities, technological expertise, and problem-solving skills. Industries worldwide are seeking professionals who can adapt, innovate, and deliver results in uncertain times.

History is filled with lessons of resilience. During the 2008 global recession, many students lost job opportunities, but instead of surrendering, they built startups. Some of them are now global CEOs. What defined their success was not the economy or visa rules, but their ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

So if the US shuts one door, maybe life is telling you to open five others. Students who once pinned all their hopes on America are today building successful careers in Europe, Singapore, Australia, or even back home in India. The geography may change, but the opportunity remains alive for those who are ready to seize it.

To every student reading this column, let me say this: Do not let fear dictate your choices. Dreams may bend, but they should never break. Yes, the US education path looks uncertain for 2026, but the world is vast, and opportunities are everywhere. Your success is not tied to one country, one policy, or one degree. It is tied to your courage to adapt, your passion for learning, and your persistence in moving forward.

As you stand at the crossroads of your career, let this be your mantra: Do not chase only the dream of a place. Chase the dream of becoming the best version of yourself, and the world will open its doors to you.

END OF ARTICLE