From struggles to shares: How NRIs are guiding the next wave of Indian study-abroad dreamers

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. Non-resident Indians (NRIs) who've navigated the tough road to settling abroad, securing scholarships and visas, and adapting to culture on their own are now guiding the next wave of Indian students through social media. Drawing on daily experiences, they tackle overlooked challenges such as finding top internships and part-time jobs, managing finances, and selecting the best colleges to build their dream life in a new country.

Take Annushree Tiwari, username @annuway_, who relocated to the UK in 2024 for a Master's in Environmental Management after six years working in India's social sector. "During my visa application and scholarship hunt, I struggled to find professional guidance on universities that weren't just prestigious but also economically viable," says Tiwari, who was accepted to top Russell Group institutions like King's College London and the University of Warwick. Prioritising return on investment (ROI) over tier I prestige, she chose the University of Surrey, landing two scholarships and sponsored accommodation.

Tiwari noticed most social media influencers glamourised life abroad—vibrant parties, chic cafes, lavish shopping—while ignoring real struggles and daily realities. "Last year, I started sharing basics like local traffic rules and supermarket shopping," she says. She also debunks myths, such as limited part-time jobs to retail or food chains (highlighting campus opportunities instead) and the idea that tier I colleges are always superior—arguing tier II options often deliver better learning and return on investment (ROI).