Vietnam's graduates overseas struggle with uncertain future

Continuing from the previous information, Vietnamese graduates of foreign schools, especially those in Australia, face challenges in finding jobs that match their qualifications. The Grattan report mentioned earlier highlights the reluctance of Australian employers to hire international graduates due to uncertainties related to visa pathways after the expiration of Temporary Graduate visas. Many graduates find themselves working in low-skilled jobs instead of pursuing their chosen careers. The competitive job market, cultural differences, and language proficiency are identified as significant obstacles.

In Canada, similar challenges are faced by international graduates like Thanh Thao. Recruiters tend to favor local candidates, believing that they have a better understanding of the country's culture and language proficiency. As a result, international graduates often have to accept jobs outside their industry to extend their stay.

The experiences of Thanh Thao and Thien Kim reflect the broader struggles of international graduates who may need to compromise on their career goals to navigate visa regulations and employment challenges in foreign countries.

The challenges faced by Vietnamese graduates of foreign schools extend to their decisions on whether to stay abroad or return to Vietnam. Economic considerations, uncertainties related to visa pathways, and the competitive job market contribute to the dilemma. The Grattan report indicates that temporary graduate visa-holders in Australia, on average, earned less than working holiday-makers, and many struggled to pursue their desired careers.

The fear of reverse culture shock and concerns about adapting to a new work environment in Vietnam play a significant role in the decision-making process. Thao and Thien Kim express the difficulty of readjusting to life in Vietnam after spending years studying and working abroad. The increasing trend of studying abroad and the rising number of Vietnamese students pursuing education overseas add to the challenges of returning graduates finding suitable jobs.

Education experts emphasize the importance of careful consideration before deciding to study abroad, urging parents not to pressure their children into overseas education "at any cost." The complexity of this decision reflects the broader issues faced by international graduates in navigating post-graduation challenges.

According to Huong, some parents pour all their money into sending their children abroad, and then they place unrealistic expectations on what it’s like to settle there after graduation.

"For these students, instead of enjoying and exploring, all they care about is how to take more part-time jobs [to help their parents pay off debts they have incurred sending them abroad] and how to get a ticket to stay."

She said that some Vietnamese learners abroad find it so hard to stay that they enter fake marriages with locals in order to do so.

Huong suggested that parents speak honestly with their children when they are old enough to see if they really want to study abroad. If they do, she said, it's then the parents' job to carefully prepare their children.

She also said families should map out a specific post-graduation plan before a child is sent away.

As for graduates that now feel stuck, Huong suggested they try other job markets, including other countries in the region, or other cities and provinces outside the localities they studied in.

Learning from the experiences of others, Bao Quyen, 26, who studied International Business at a university in Germany, has registered for an exchange course with a Vietnamese university to return home and learn in Vietnam as an international student for one year.

Quyen said this way, she can gradually re-adapt to the Vietnamese environment and establish more connections for more job opportunities.