22-year-old woman takes Rs 40 lakh loan to study abroad, shares reality of ROI: 'Money is important,... - Moneycontrol.com
At just 20, she took a Rs 40 lakh loan to study abroad and has no regrets. From friends in 33 countries to a powerful
At just 20, she took a Rs 40 lakh loan to study abroad and has no regrets. From friends in 33 countries to a powerful alumni network, she says the real ROI goes well beyond money. This 22-year-old took a Rs 40 lakh loan to study abroad and has no regrets. (Image: ekta.explains/ Instagram) Studying abroad is often seen as a dream, but it also comes with a big question many students struggle with. Is it really worth taking a large education loan for it, or does the pressure of repayment outweigh the long-term benefits? And when you look back years later, what matters more, the salary you earn or the life you build along the way? A 22-year-old woman has now sparked an online discussion after sharing why she took an education loan of Rs 40 lakh to pursue her master’s abroad when she was just 20.
The video was shared by user named Ekta Agrawal, where she introduces herself and talks about studying at INSEAD, one of the world’s leading business schools. In a viral Instagram video, she explained that the return on investment from education should not be judged only through money. She said she funded her studies through a Rs 40 lakh education loan, a decision that many people question because of the financial burden involved. In the clip she said, “Everyone asks me about the ROI, and here’s what I tell them. Money is important, but if you graduate from a good university, you will pay it back because of the opportunities you get.” Ekta explained that for her, ROI is not limited to salary or job offers after graduation.
Instead, she placed value on global exposure, learning experiences, and the relationships built during her time abroad. She added, “I now have friends in 33 different countries and access to an alumni network of over 20,000 people working in top companies across the world.” She further explained that these connections and experiences are just as important as financial returns. “I have had experiences at 22 that most people don’t have even at 40. And most importantly, I’ve made friends for life. This is my return on investment. Your network is genuinely your net worth,” she said. Her comments have quickly gained attention on social media, where users are divided in their reactions. Some users agreed with her view that education should be measured beyond money and salary, while others questioned whether such a large loan is practical and sustainable for most students.
One user commented, “Couldn’t agree more, network = net worth.” Another user reacted with concern, writing, “33 different countries people won’t pay the EMI, and how much do you make now?” Disclaimer: This report is based on user-generated content shared on social media. Moneycontrol has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
The BriefWire