Experience Higher Standard of Living After Studying Abroad for Indian Students

admin
July 2, 2025
7:58 pm
8 min Read

Summary

For Indian students, studying abroad offers more than just a world-class education — it unlocks a higher standard of living. From safe cities and clean public transport to legal work rights and mental wellness support, this lifestyle shift improves focus, health, and personal growth. With PFEC Global’s expert guidance, students can plan not just their academics but their daily life abroad — choosing cities, budgeting smartly, and preparing for independence. A better lifestyle isn’t just about comfort — it shapes your mindset, success, and future.

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Introduction

Studying abroad does more than open academic doors. It changes how you live every day. For Indian students, it is often the first time experiencing clean public spaces, safe streets, quality housing, and equal work rights.

But along with excitement, you may feel unsure. Will I afford this lifestyle? Is it worth the higher cost? Will I feel out of place?

What Does a Higher Standard of Living Mean for Indian Students Abroad?

A higher standard of living means more safety, more support, and more comfort in daily life. It is not just about high salaries or modern cities. It is about how you live and feel every day.

Here’s what it usually includes:

Safe public spaces and reliable transport
Clean air, clean water, and efficient city systems
Affordable student healthcare and mental health support
Higher minimum wages and fair job protections
Better housing with tenant rights and maintenance standards

For example, Indian students in Canada or Germany often get subsidized health insurance, discounted public transport, and access to student-friendly rentals backed by government policy. These systems reduce daily stress and make basic needs easier to manage.

But a better lifestyle also brings new responsibilities. You will cook your own food, manage bills, and follow strict rules around waste, rent, and time. This can feel hard at first — but it also builds maturity fast.

Expert Tip: Your standard of living shapes your mental health, social life, and long-term goals. Don’t just compare universities. Compare how you’ll live.

Why Experience Higher Standard of Living After Studying Abroad Matters

A higher standard of living is not just about comfort. It changes how you think, study, and work. For Indian students, this shift often brings more freedom, stability, and dignity in daily life.

You start to value clean public spaces, safer cities, and better-managed systems. From transport to tap water, everything feels more dependable. These improvements impact your mental health, academic focus, and personal growth.

Workplaces abroad also operate differently. Part-time jobs usually include fair contracts, paid leave, and legal protections. These standards help you feel respected — even as a student.

Many who experience a higher standard of living abroad return to India with stronger habits and clearer expectations. One PFEC student said she stopped tolerating delays or poor service after two years in Australia. It shifted how she approached both work and relationships.

Benefits and Challenges of Adjusting to a Higher Standard of Living

Living in a country with a higher standard of living brings great benefits. But it also demands change. You will feel the impact in your budget, your routine, and how you see the world.

Benefits

Systems that work: Transport, banking, healthcare, and public services are faster and more reliable
Greater safety: You can walk around most areas without fear
Legal protection at work: Jobs come with fixed hours, fair wages, and paid leave

Respect for diversity: Students are treated equally, no matter their background

Challenges

Higher cost of living: Rent, food, and services are more expensive
Cultural shift: You may need time to adjust to social norms and local etiquette
Life management: You’ll cook, clean, and manage finances alone
Emotional gap: It is easy to feel homesick even in a better environment

One PFEC student in Germany said she loved the clean surroundings and quiet streets but needed time to adjust to handling bills and cooking on her own.

Expert Tip: A better lifestyle needs planning, not just money. Start building life skills before you go.

Which Countries Offer the Best Living Standards for Indian Students?

Your standard of living abroad depends a lot on where you go. While most study destinations offer good education, the comfort, safety, and support systems vary widely.

Here’s how top countries compare for Indian students:

Canada

Clean cities and high personal safety
Public healthcare is free in many provinces
Affordable student housing outside major cities
Friendly communities and strong PR pathways

Australia

High wages and strong work protections
Accessible healthcare with Overseas Student Health Cover
Relaxed lifestyle and reliable public transport

Germany

Excellent infrastructure and low or no tuition
Quality public health services
Affordable student cities with structured rental systems

UK

NHS covers essential healthcare
Efficient transport in most cities
High cost of living, especially in London

USA

Wide variation in lifestyle by city and state
High earnings in tech and finance
Expensive healthcare and housing in metro areas

Expert Tip: Choose your country based on how you want to live and grow, not just university rankings. Look at public services, safety, affordability, and long-term career support.

Cost vs Comfort: Does a Better Lifestyle Always Mean More Money?

A better lifestyle abroad often costs more , but smart choices can make it manageable. It’s not always about spending more. It’s about spending better.

Here’s how Indian students can balance cost with comfort:

Big cities: Higher rent and food prices, but better transport, job options, and networking
Smaller cities: Lower costs and peaceful life, but fewer jobs or slower systems
Germany and France: Offer free or low-cost education with strong public services
Australia and Canada: Higher costs, but part-time jobs pay well and cover living expenses

For example, a PFEC student in a small town in Canada spent ₹20,000 less on rent than her peers in Toronto. But she had to travel 45 minutes for her part-time job every week.

How Lifestyle Abroad Impacts Career, Health, and Personal Growth

A higher lifestyle abroad does more than offer comfort. It reshapes your mindset, health, and how you work. For Indian students, this shift often brings lasting personal and professional benefits.

Here’s how students grow in better environments:

Clean, safe spaces improve focus and reduce daily stress
Efficient public systems teach time management and self-discipline
Access to healthy food and parks builds long-term wellness
Cultural inclusivity boosts communication skills and confidence

One PFEC student in Australia said starting a simple gym routine helped her sleep better, feel calm, and collaborate more in class projects. These small shifts added up, even after graduation.

Over time, these habits build clarity, better choices, and strong careers. Employers notice students who stay organized, adapt fast, and manage pressure.

Expert Tip: Your daily routine abroad shapes your future. A better lifestyle creates space to focus, grow, and lead with confidence.

Insights from Indian Students Who Now Live Abroad

Student stories show what life abroad really feels like. Their experiences help decode what the brochures leave out.

Ankit, Germany (Engineering)

“I walk to college, breathe clean air, and cook my meals. Life is simple here. I never had this rhythm before.”

Ritika, UK (Public Policy)

“In India, I felt restricted. In London, I speak up, ask questions, and take charge. That confidence helps at work too.”

Suhas, Canada (Data Science)

“My part-time job gave me money and real-world skills. I manage my bills and still save. People follow rules and respect space.”

These stories highlight how the experience of a higher standard of living after studying abroad benefits and challenges students. Some felt lonely at first or struggled with the weather. But all of them grew stronger, more confident, and more independent.

Expert Tip: Always speak to alumni before choosing your destination. Their stories reveal real insights for study abroad planning.

Things No One Tells You About Living Standards Abroad

The experience of living abroad includes daily habits that are very different from what most Indian students are used to. These small things shape your real lifestyle, and they matter more than you think.

Here’s what students often learn the hard way:

Laundry is fully DIY. No maids. You wash, dry, and fold — often in shared spaces.
Public transport is punctual, but pricey. Monthly passes in cities like Melbourne or Toronto cost ₹7,000 to ₹10,000.
Groceries need weekly planning. You buy in bulk, store food properly, and meal prep. Indian items are expensive. Carry essentials from home.
You do minor repairs yourself. Bulbs, leaks, clogged sinks — unless you’re in managed housing, you’ll fix it.

Expert Tip: Before you leave, learn basic cooking, cleaning, and budgeting. These life skills make your transition smoother and your living experience richer.

Expert Insights for Students Planning a Life Abroad

Planning for education is one thing. But to experience a higher standard of living after studying abroad for Indian students, you also need to plan for life — not just academics.

Here’s what PFEC counsellors recommend:

Choose your city carefully. Life in Sydney or Berlin is very different from life in Hobart or Leipzig.
Understand how healthcare works. Australia has OSHC. Canada has provincial plans. Some countries expect private insurance upfront.
Start searching for housing early. Use university portals or verified student housing websites. Avoid last-minute rentals or social media scams.
Join student forums. Reddit, Quora, and PFEC’s community groups are full of real insights, roommate leads, and prep tips.
Create a lifestyle budget. Estimate rent, transport, food, and phone bills. Add a 20% buffer for surprises.

One student moving to Australia said planning early helped her secure an apartment near campus, join a student cooking club, and enroll in yoga — all before her flight.

Expert Tip: Don’t just prepare for classes. Prepare for your daily life abroad .it will shape your success and well-being more than any lecture ever will.

Prepare for a Higher Standard of Living — Not Just a Degree

Studying abroad is more than academics. It is your first step toward an independent, healthier, and more structured lifestyle.

If you want to experience a higher standard of living after studying abroad for Indian students, focus on both education and everyday life. This includes how you travel, what you eat, where you live, and how you manage time and money.

Students who plan early adjust faster. They make smarter city choices, manage expenses better, and feel less homesick. Thinking about lifestyle in advance helps avoid stress after landing.

PFEC helps you prepare beyond college applications. From choosing the right city to understanding healthcare systems and housing platforms, we support every part of your journey.

Expert Tip: Your standard of living shapes your future. Plan for comfort, safety, and balance — not just classroom success.

FAQs

Q1. What is considered a high standard of living for students abroad?

It includes clean and safe housing, access to healthcare, smooth public transport, and good work-life balance.

Q2. Is it expensive to maintain a better lifestyle abroad?

It depends on the city and your habits. Budgeting well lets you enjoy comfort without overspending.

Q3. Will my lifestyle really improve if I return to India later?

Yes. Skills like budgeting, cooking, time management, and confidence often carry forward to life in India.

Q4. How can I prepare myself mentally and financially for the shift?

Start with research. Create a budget, speak to alumni, and ask your counsellor about lifestyle adjustments.

Q5. Does standard of living impact my chances of PR or job opportunities?

Yes. Countries with better living standards often have strong post-study work rights and stable PR policies.