My child chose life in Canada over $2,000 monthly salary in Vietnam

Many Vietnamese students return home after studying abroad due to challenges in competing within their host country's job market, personal reasons like joining a family business, or securing job opportunities in Vietnam. My eldest, however, chose a different path.

In 2003, after completing a self-funded IT degree at a top Canadian university, my child returned to Vietnam hoping to be close to her family, and was offered a job with a US$2,000 monthly salary—a significant amount at the time. After seeking family advice and weighing the prospects, she chose to stay in Canada, attracted by its better work environment and opportunities for further education.

Her annual salary in Canada was $37,000, only slightly higher than the offer in Vietnam. However, with higher taxes and living costs, saving money was far more challenging. Yet, the decision to stay abroad paid off in other ways.

Vehicles and pedestrians wait to cross the street in Toronto, Canada. Illustration photo by Pexels

Over two decades, she benefited from living in a clean and safe environment, working in a professional culture, and gaining access to advanced educational opportunities, including studying in the U.S. with the privileges of a Canadian passport. She also embraced the freedom of being a global citizen, able to work and travel in most countries.

This decision mirrors a broader trend among international students, particularly those in fields like engineering, medicine, and advanced technology, where opportunities for skill development are often superior abroad. In Vietnam, for instance, becoming a top doctor typically requires working at a major central hospital, as smaller or provincial facilities lack the resources for growth.

After my eldest chose Canada, my two younger children followed suit in 2003 and 2009, pursuing studies in technical fields. Upon their graduation, I gave them the same advice: "If you want to grow professionally in a supportive environment, stay in the country where you studied."

I firmly believe students should prioritize opportunities for learning and development over higher immediate salaries. A comfortable life with room for growth is more meaningful than simply earning more. For those who excel in their studies and work in fields critical to their host countries, opportunities for residency and long-term success often follow.

Ultimately, choosing where to live and work is deeply personal. For my children, their decision to stay abroad has given them a fulfilling life.