Chinese people should think carefully before investing in overseas studies, says a signed article in China Youth Daily. An excerpt follows:

At a recent recruitment fair organized for returned overseas students, many employers were only willing to offer a monthly salary of 3,000 yuan ($390). Many haigui (overseas returnees) thought the remuneration too low. While some employers commented that haigui, especially those going on their own, have less advantages than before.

For a long time, studying overseas has provided an attractive opportunity for many. From 1978 to 2005 more than 933,400 Chinese students studied abroad. The number increased after the country adjusted its policies on self-supported overseas study. Now the majority of Chinese students overseas are studying at their own expense.

As the number of haigui increases, enterprises are no longer as impressed.

But many parents are still enchanted by the idea. They still expect their children to have a bright future after studying abroad.

Chinese families have paid a high price for their children's overseas educational experiences. It is reported that the education industry ranked fourth among Australia's exports to China.

It is estimated that every year more than $375 million in funds for education leaves China. It is worthwhile if the money can buy the knowledge and skills we need. But much of that money is a bad investment.

Some students go to overseas colleges only because they cannot qualify for domestic colleges. Many students do not concentrate on their studies.

What is more, many overseas schools just regard Chinese students as an important channel to increase profits instead of providing quality education.

(China Daily 06/01/2007 page10)