'YOUR NETWORK IS YOUR NET WORTH': 22-YEAR-OLD WHO TOOK RS 40 LAKH LOAN TO STUDY ABROAD SAYS HER BIGGEST ROI ISN'T MONEY, BUT...

A 22-year-old woman’s perspective on the value of studying abroad has triggered a lively discussion on social media after she revealed that she took a Rs 40 lakh education loan to pursue a master’s degree overseas at the age of 20 and believes the rewards extend far beyond financial returns.

The conversation began after Ekta Agrawal, a 22-year-old graduate of INSEAD, shared a video reflecting on her decision to fund her education through a sizeable loan. The clip, which has since gone viral on Instagram, addresses one of the most common concerns among students considering international education: whether taking on substantial debt is justified by the eventual return on investment (ROI).

For many aspiring students, the prospect of studying abroad represents a significant opportunity for academic growth and career advancement. However, rising tuition costs and the burden of education loans often lead to questions about whether the long-term benefits outweigh the financial risks. Ekta’s video sought to answer that question from her own experience.

Introducing herself in the video, Ekta explained that she enrolled at INSEAD, widely regarded as one of the world’s leading business schools, with the help of a Rs 40 lakh education loan.

While acknowledging that money remains an important factor when evaluating educational choices, she argued that ROI should not be measured solely through salary figures or job offers.

“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,” she said in the video.

According to Ekta, some of the most valuable outcomes of her education cannot be quantified in monetary terms. She highlighted the exposure she gained from interacting with people from different cultures and backgrounds during her studies abroad.

She said that she now has friends in 33 countries and access to an alumni network of more than 20,000 professionals working across major companies around the world. These connections, she argued, have significantly enriched her personal and professional life.

“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.

The video quickly attracted attention online, with users offering a range of opinions on Ekta’s assessment of educational ROI.

”

I used to think the same way when I was in my twenties. But the next ten years taught me a lot about life, and I left behind that childish mindset,” said one user.

Another questioned the timeline of her academic journey, writing, “How are you doing masters at 20. I will be done with my undergrad at 21”.

A third user supported her perspective, commenting, “I agree with you that “Network is the networth” provided we keep in touch despite of hectic life,”.

Others were more sceptical. One commenter wrote, “You seem to give more importance to your friends from various countries and access to alumni, remember just coz they offer you coffee doesnt mean they will pay emi for you. You have seen the outside world but not the world inside,”.

2026-06-06T06:26:52Z