Students are attending an education fair in Hanoi in 2019 to explore study abroad options. Photo of IDP Education Vietnam
Many families invest up to VND15 billion ($606,700) to send their children abroad to continue their studies, but find themselves facing difficulties finding employment upon their return.
Vietnam leads Southeast Asian countries in terms of the number of students studying abroad, as reported in the 2024 Key Trends in Southeast Asia study by Acumen, an international education consultancy. . Despite this, a growing number of these students are struggling to find work and readjust to life in Vietnam after their studies.
While some argue that the experience gained while studying abroad is invaluable and will ultimately pay off, I challenge this view. Viewing education abroad as an investment, the primary goal should be to achieve returns that justify the initial outlay. If the costs of education cannot be recouped through subsequent income, then the effort could be considered a failed investment.
If it’s just for the experience, you can spend a lot less as a tourist.
Simply put, if pursuing studies abroad, valued at VND15 billion, does not lead to commensurate or higher earnings after graduation, it reflects a disregard for one’s own financial well-being and that of his family. At a minimum, individuals should aim to earn enough to be able to provide the same quality of education to their offspring, ensuring that the investment cycle produces tangible profits.
