More than 10 years ago, I returned home with a foreign degree, believing it would help me secure a good job and a high income. But reality turned out to be far more complicated. Looking back on the difficult period after graduation, I realized that what matters most is not where you study, but what you actually learn and can contribute.

Today, many young people still see studying abroad as a guaranteed path to success. But when asked what they want to study, what career direction they plan to pursue, or how they intend to adapt to life overseas, many struggle to answer clearly. People often assume that going abroad is automatically better, but few seriously ask themselves whether they are truly suited for it.

The truth is that success is never guaranteed, whether you study domestically or overseas. I have met many people educated in Vietnam who are highly capable, found jobs quickly, and built strong careers. At the same time, I have also met overseas graduates who struggled to find work, remained unemployed for long periods, or accepted salaries lower than those of their peers who stayed home.

I experienced that myself. A foreign degree alone did not make me more employable. What companies cared about were practical skills, work experience, problem-solving ability, and attitude — things that do not automatically come from studying abroad.

Many people believe strong English skills are enough to succeed overseas. But studying in Vietnam today also increasingly requires foreign language ability. In fact, students who study locally while seriously investing in language skills can have opportunities equal to those who go abroad.

Two young adults walking up outdoor stairs surrounded by greenery and buildings. Photo by Pexels/George Pak

Going overseas is one thing; succeeding academically and professionally afterward is another. I know many people, including myself, who returned home unable to find suitable jobs or had to begin from very junior positions. At that point, the question of whether the investment was worthwhile became difficult to ignore, especially given the enormous costs involved.

After returning home, I spent nearly three years searching for stable work. My first jobs were almost completely unrelated to my field of study, and the salary was only enough to cover basic living expenses. At one stage, I earned less than a close friend who had studied domestically. The disappointment was real, particularly because I had once assumed my overseas degree would make me stand out.

Only after multiple job changes, starting over several times, and accepting smaller opportunities did I gradually find the right direction. Now, more than a decade later, I have a stable career and a relatively good income compared to the average. It is not extraordinary, nor does it match the glamorous expectations many people attach to overseas graduates. I no longer expect dramatic leaps in my career. Instead, I focus on doing my work well, gaining experience, and building long-term stability.

Looking back, I do not deny that studying abroad gave me valuable experiences and a broader perspective. But financially and professionally, my path was not necessarily easier than that of many people who studied in Vietnam.

So if someone asks me today whether they should send their child abroad to study, my answer is no longer simply: "If you can afford it, do it."

In my view, studying abroad only makes sense when students have clear goals, strong independence, adaptability, and genuine academic ability. If someone has not yet proven themselves even in a familiar environment, moving to a foreign country with language barriers and intense competition may only make things harder.

Some people say the ultimate purpose of studying abroad is immigration or permanent residency. But if that is the only goal, there are often more direct and practical paths for families with financial means. And for those pursuing the traditional route of studying, working, and seeking sponsorship, the reality is harsh: even native graduates struggle to find jobs. Companies will only sponsor foreign candidates who bring exceptional value.

After more than 10 years, I no longer view studying abroad through the idealized lens I once had. I still believe it can be valuable, but it is not a guaranteed life-changing ticket. In the end, success depends less on where you study and more on what you learn, how you adapt, and what you are capable of doing afterward.