$600 monthly income with a US education: When studying abroad isn't just about salary returns in Vietnam

Readers have shared their experiences and perspectives on the long-term benefits of studying abroad, emphasizing personal and professional growth over financial returns.

Nampham, a reader who studied in the U.S., shared: "If you look purely at the financial side, it's hard to recover the cost of studying abroad, especially in developed countries, with a Vietnamese salary. When I returned, my starting salary was around VND15-20 million (US$590-787) per month.

However, my international education brought me intangible benefits. I was valued in every company I joined, often invited to important meetings with senior management and partners. My bosses explained this by saying, 'Many colleagues, despite high IELTS scores, struggle to understand such meetings, and we didn't want to pressure them.'

Studying abroad improved my language skills and gave me a network that proved invaluable for my career. When I started my business, these advantages helped me succeed in ways local education might not have."

People talk inside a library. Illustration photo by Pexels

For others, studying abroad has become a challenging financial proposition that they accept to take.

Reader Huyentram, who earned a Master’s in Finance in the U.K., reflected: "Now in my 30s, I earn VND25 million (US$984) per month, but that’s because I prioritize family time over career advancement. I also manage my husband’s business finances, so my salary doesn’t fully reflect the returns on my education investment. I don’t regret my choices; studying abroad has shaped my perspective and skills in ways that benefit my life."

Some readers criticized the focus on recouping financial investments from studying abroad.

Sithien argued: "If you plan to study abroad, you should either have enough funds to cover the costs without stress or aim to work and settle abroad. If money is a concern, studying locally might be a better option, as Vietnam now offers excellent educational opportunities. Studying abroad isn't just about earning money; it's about investing in personal growth and future potential. People trying to recover their costs quickly don't understand education as a lifelong investment."

Nguyen Tam concluded: "Studying abroad is just the start of a more challenging journey. It offers immense benefits but also demands significant financial and emotional preparation. It's not only about securing a high-paying job but also about equipping yourself to face new challenges and compete globally."

According to UNESCO, Vietnam had over 132,000 international students in 2021-2022, the highest in Southeast Asia. Vietnam is ranked among the top 10 countries worldwide for students studying abroad, including top 5 in the U.S., top 2 in Japan, and number one in Taiwan.