Who would spend $140,000 studying abroad to earn $600 monthly back home?

It can cost about VND3.5 billion to study abroad in Australia for four years. If students come back to a meager monthly salary of VND15 million, how long would it take for them to break even?

Only students who cannot find jobs abroad or those from wealthy families with large businesses can afford such a choice.

Reader nguyenthydan2

The above comment was left on a news article about how a report found that up to 80% of self-financed Vietnamese students studying abroad do not return to their home country after completing their education, opting instead for higher salaries and better benefits abroad.

Many readers echoed the same sentiment:

Reader Dai Hai Thuy:

"No one would invest such a large amount of money that, in some cases, is equivalent to a lifetime's savings, just to earn VND20 million per month. Thus, they must find ways to stay abroad at least until they have recovered the amount they spent. Another reason is that the knowledge they learned there may not necessarily be applicable in Vietnam. There is also the challenge of re-adapting to the Vietnamese lifestyle."

Reader Quan Tran:

"80% of self-funded international students stay abroad to work, which is normal given their circumstances. After investing billions of dong, would they really return home to find a job with an average income? It is easier to find jobs abroad, and they may not necessarily stand out back home, except for their advantage in foreign languages. Expertise often depends more on the field of study and the extent of work experience rather than whether one studied overseas or at home.

Vietnam’s economy and technology must develop significantly, creating a suitable environment for talented people."

Reader nguyenhuuhieuhs:

"After four years of studying abroad, international students have become accustomed to the environment and lifestyle overseas. Few want to change their living conditions, especially when income, advancement opportunities, and the working environment there are better.

If salaries in Vietnam could reach $3,000-4,000 per month, then I believe many would want to return to live closer to their homeland, family, and loved ones. With that level of income, they could easily enjoy a good quality of life in Vietnam."

What do you think prompts international students to work overseas instead of returning home?

*This opinion was translated into English with the assistance of AI. Readers’ views are personal and do not necessarily match VnExpress’ viewpoints.