Why is everyone obsessed with agencies/consultants?

Not Indian but from a country with similar dynamics.
I have been coming to the sub while helping a friend with study abroad but I noticed how many people keep looking for agencies/consultants

My view is that in the world of AI and the infinite info of the internet, agencies/consultants are only useful in a very narrow use cases.

If you cant figure out how to study abroad by yourself with all the info out there, how do you expect to survive once you get abroad? Going to find an agency to help you get a house/job/friends?