I face a dilemma for future career. I basically want to be a theoretical physicist in future. I reside in Nepal, and was born and raised here. Although, my education at school, high school, and even college (where I currently am, on 3rd year of my bachelors in science) was decent by the local standard, it is in no way a sufficient education to make a student independent theoretician. I am mostly self studying for that. However, I don’t come from a financially secure family. That responsibility is on my shoulders. My parents have supported me with all their might, and still showing me their support whenever I mention of my future career. As I am currently at third year of my undergraduate, I seriously am considering what I should do next. There are two options which I see, but I have not been able to reach to the conclusion.

1. I should apply for the foreign universities of different well developed countries(mainly USA). There I will be able to sustain my life myself, which will be a financial relief for a family. I can also earn some money(although fairly low on foreign currency, but that will be fairly good amount here), which I can send back home. This is what the recent general trend has been in our country. The problem with this choice is that the chance to get a PhD in theoretical physics from our country is rare, if not negligible. At least, that is what our teachers have been saying to us. That way, if I get PhD in another field of physics, it will be like a full time job, and I would lose my essential years for theoretical training, which I need in substantial amount.

2. I should stay in my own nation. This way I would have a lot of time for self study and practice. This will absolutely boost my skillset as a theoretician. I can read, study, and practice a fairly majority hours of the day. When I will be a good enough in my field, I can produce some good works and apply for the PhD in theoretical physics. That is when I will have a better chance, because there will be evidences of my knowledge. But the real problem with this approach is that there are very few earning opportunities in my country. I cannot work full hours, so that I will not make a good amount to sustain all of my needs. Even if I did, I will not be able to support my family for those years. I fear some situations in these cases.

What should I do? Please consider my condition when I say, I cannot reach the conclusion with regard to these two options. Is there a way around this?

I have tried to talk with other friends. None of their thoughts helped me on this.