When Graduation Promises Fall Short

Graduation is often celebrated as a gateway to success, a turning point where knowledge meets opportunity. Many students, especially those who leave their home countries to study abroad, carry with them not just academic ambition but also the hope of building a better life. For some, this journey leads to personal and professional growth. For others, the transition is less seamless—marked by disillusionment and unexpected challenges.

Expectations vs. Experience

Higher education often presents a vision of the future that feels aspirational. Students are encouraged to dream big, to lead change, and to believe that success will follow if they work hard enough. Yet when those same students step into the real world, they sometimes find that the landscape is far more complex. In many cases, graduates find that their knowledge is either underutilised or misunderstood. High achievers may struggle to fit into hierarchical organisations where experience is valued over innovation, and fresh perspectives are met with hesitation. Suggestions for improvement can be seen not as contributions, but as disruptions. It is not uncommon for talented graduates to feel out of place rather than empowered.

The International Student Journey

For international students, the experience can be even more layered. Many arrive with hopes of better career prospects, stability, and a place in a society they have admired from afar. Families make considerable sacrifices to support this journey—financial, emotional, and personal. Yet upon graduating, these students often face visa restrictions, limited job opportunities, and a sense of cultural disconnect.

One of my students recently reflected on his experience studying in the UK. Coming from a well-established background, he had expected the challenge to be primarily academic. Instead, he found himself juggling shift work with coursework, navigating language and cultural barriers, and struggling to find support systems. His comment was simple yet poignant: "My country may have its flaws, but at least I felt seen there." He now plans to return home—not because he failed, but because he wants to apply what he has learned in a way that makes sense to him. Gaining Western experience was part of the goal, but so was finding a place where his contribution would be valued.

A Question Worth Asking

These experiences raise important questions about the broader purpose of education. Are universities preparing students for life, or simply for assessment? Do global education systems equip graduates for a world that does not always welcome their full potential? Perhaps more critically, is the promise of transformation being matched by the support needed to realise it?

There is also a larger issue that often goes unspoken. If educational and professional opportunities were more evenly distributed across the globe, would so many young people feel compelled to leave their homes in the first place? Many of the dreams that drive international education are born out of disparities—between the infrastructure of one country and the promises of another.

Towards a More Honest Future

The goal is not to undermine the value of education. Rather, it is to encourage a more honest and reflective conversation about what students are being prepared for—and what kind of support they need along the way. Universities have a vital role to play, not just in teaching but in helping students bridge the gap between theory and practice, ambition and reality. A degree should be more than a piece of paper. It should be a foundation for growth, rooted in truth, guided by empathy, and supported by systems that recognise the diverse journeys students take.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

If you are a student, educator, policymaker, or simply someone who believes in the transformative power of education, I invite you to share your thoughts. How can we reimagine higher education so it better serves the world we live in today—and the people it promises to empower? You can connect with me or read more reflections at www.lubnasid.com. Please subscribe for more thanks.