Studying abroad has long been seen as a gateway to better career opportunities, personal growth, and academic excellence. However, for many international students, the journey doesn’t end with a job offer abroad. Data from the Australian Department of Education shows that in the year-to-date August 2024, there were 969,230 international student enrolments, a 15% increase compared to the same period in 2019. This indicates a strong recovery in international student mobility post-pandemic2. However, the data also highlights that many students eventually return to their home countries after completing their studies. A significant number of students choose to return to their home countries after completing their studies. This raises an important question: Does the financial investment in studying abroad pay off for these returnees?
Challenges Faced by Returnees
Employment Opportunities
One of the primary challenges returnees face is securing employment that matches their qualifications and expectations. While some industries may highly value international experience, others may not place as much emphasis on it. According to data from the Ministry of External Affairs, India, only 22% of Indian students who studied abroad between 2015 and 2019 were able to secure employment upon returning home. This highlights a significant gap between the skills acquired abroad and the demand in the local job market.
Financial Burden
The financial investment required for studying abroad can be substantial, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. Returnees may face the challenge of recouping these costs, especially if they return to countries with lower salary scales compared to their host countries. This can make it difficult to achieve a favorable return on investment (ROI) from their international education.
Cultural and Social Readjustment
Returning home after an extended period abroad can be challenging in terms of cultural and social readjustment. Returnees may experience reverse culture shock as they adapt to their home country’s norms and practices. This period of adjustment can impact their overall well-being and job performance.
Opportunity Cost
Choosing to study abroad often means missing out on opportunities in one’s home country, such as career advancements, professional networking, or personal milestones. Some students may find that the time and money invested in an international education could have been better spent on local opportunities that offer more immediate returns.
Data and Real-Life Experiences
To get a real sense of the impact of studying abroad, it is helpful to look at the experiences of former international students. For example, Suci from Indonesia found that studying in the United States provided her with new perspectives and valuable cultural insights. However, she faced significant financial challenges and had to carefully manage her budget to make ends meet.
According to data from the Ministry of External Affairs, India, only 20% of Indian students plan to return to India immediately after completing their studies abroad. Similarly, a report by the Ministry of Education of China found that in 2019, around 580,300 Chinese students returned to China after obtaining their degrees overseas, marking an 11.73% increase from the previous year2.
Is it really worth the investment?
Most returnees say yes. Many students who return to their home countries after studying abroad bring back enhanced skills and competencies, including improved language proficiency, cross-cultural communication skills, and a broader worldview. These attributes can give returnees a competitive edge in their home country’s job market, as companies looking to expand internationally may value employees who have international exposure and can navigate different cultural contexts. Studying abroad often provides students with the opportunity to build a global network of contacts, which can be invaluable even after returning home. Returnees may leverage their international networks for job opportunities, collaborations, or business ventures, and the prestige associated with having a degree from a renowned international institution can enhance their professional credibility. Moreover, the challenges and experiences faced while studying abroad often lead to significant personal growth. Returnees tend to develop a high level of resilience, adaptability, and independence. These traits are beneficial in any professional setting and can help returnees navigate the challenges of re-entering their home country’s job market.
The decision to study abroad involves weighing the potential benefits against the costs. While the experience can offer significant personal, academic, and professional advantages, it is essential for students and their families to carefully consider the financial implications and potential ROI. By understanding both the positive and negative aspects, students can make an informed decision that aligns with their personal and career goals. Ultimately, the value of studying abroad depends on individual goals, experiences, and the ability to capitalize on the opportunities presented by an international education.
