A South Korean international student shares his swift decision to leave Australia after a promising start turned into a harsh reality of high living expenses and isolation.
The Allure of Australia
Australia attracts many with its job opportunities, relaxed vibe, and stunning landscapes. One young man from South Korea fell in love during a month-long holiday in 2024. “I decided that I wanted to immigrate there,” he shared on Reddit.
He relocated to Sydney late last year to pursue a master’s degree, aiming to secure long-term prospects. “My goal was to stay in Australia, earn a master’s degree, and explore better job opportunities,” he explained.
Reality Hits Hard
Challenges emerged quickly. After just four months, soaring rent, tuition fees, and profound loneliness overwhelmed him. He withdrew from his course one month into the semester and returned to Seoul.
“For the past one year and three months, I had been so focused on immigrating to Australia that I found many things about life in Korea frustrating,” he reflected. “But after experiencing life abroad, even for just a few months, I came to appreciate many aspects of the place where I was born and raised.”
Daily routines lost their charm. Grocery shopping at Woolworths shifted from excitement on vacation to a dreaded chore. He contrasted this with Korea’s efficient, affordable delivery services. “I realised how convenient and valuable it is in Korea to be able to get fast grocery delivery for free with purchases over only $30,” he noted.
The lack of family and friends proved toughest. “I also came to understand the importance of family and friends,” he said.
Online Echoes and Broader Challenges
His story resonated widely online. Commenters highlighted the gap between holidays and daily life. “Going somewhere for a fun holiday is very different to living there,” one wrote. Another added, “Life is not a bed of roses in Australia.”
Many cited Sydney’s sky-high costs and social isolation. “The cost of living is insane, and the loneliness is not fun at all. None of my friends are happy… they only get to see their mates once a month or so,” a user shared. Others noted, “Sydney is lonely, expensive, and definitely doesn’t suit everyone.”
Expert Perspective
Analysts confirm this pattern: tourists romanticize Australia’s beaches and laid-back pace, but residents face steep housing prices, competitive jobs, and building new networks. In Sydney, where rents rank among the nation’s highest, newcomers feel the strain fast. The country’s vast distances and work culture can hinder easy socializing, unlike denser, more connected nations.
Despite his exit, the student praised Australia. “Australia is certainly a great country to live in,” he concluded. “But I realised that it simply wasn’t the right fit for me.”
