Hi everyone, I’m an international student from a developing/third-world country. I took out a private student loan through MPOWER to study in the US. My grace period is almost over, the interest rate is around 18%, and I still have not found a job.

I’ve been trying very hard, applying constantly, interviewing, networking, doing everything I can, but the market has been brutal and I’m running out of time. I feel extremely hopeless right now.

I am not asking for moral judgment. I know I signed the loan and I understand the responsibility. I’m trying to understand the real-world consequences if I cannot keep up and end up returning to my home country.

What I want to know from people with actual experience or knowledge:

• What usually happens after default on an MPOWER loan?
• Do they aggressively pursue borrowers who leave the US?
• Is it mostly collections / credit damage in the US, or do they actually sue people?
• Has anyone seen them pursue people in their home countries?
• If I return home and work there, what are the practical consequences long-term?

Please, if you have direct experience with MPOWER / Prodigy / similar no-cosigner international student loans, I would really appreciate honest answers. I’m in a very dark place mentally and I’m trying to understand what my options are before everything collapses.

Thank you.