BEIJING, Dec. 17 -- China's biggest ever online survey on returned and overseas students is starting to answer some important questions. Findings have so far identified what the most popular study destinations are and, more importantly, why so many students come back home AND what employment prospects they face.

    An online survey on returned and overseas Chinese students co-organized by the All-China Youth Federation and Beijing-based Elite Reference has just released its results. And for some, the results will come as a surprise¡ªnearly 90 percent of the overseas students are willing to return to pursue a career.

    Since its launch in October, the online survey has drawn attention to many aspects of education, especially overseas Chinese students.

    The questionnaire was divided into 8 parts including "life in foreign countries", "the emotional life of overseas students" and "their intent when they return".
Europe, North America, Australia and Japan are the four major foreign destinations for Chinese students to further their studies. And Britain has surpassed the US to become the most popular study destination.

    Almost 88 percent of the interviewees expressed their will to return to work as they believe China has a more promising future in terms of economic development.

    Concerning the employment rate of returned students, the survey shows that a bit over 70 percent find a job within 6 months after they return. And over 30 percent of them work in foreign companies, which is followed by private enterprises. But it also reveals that some returned students have very impractical expectations, and thus remain jobless. Yuan Fang, the director of the Beijing Advanced Career Development Center, has more to say about this.

    "There are many reasons why returned overseas students cannot find a job. For example, the vacancy information is not timely. The enterprises are very careful when employ a overseas student as they usually have to pay them more. And most importantly, to the students themselves, sometimes they are not competent and think too highly of themselves."

    The phenomenon is not unusual. However, there're many overseas returnees who have started brilliant careers. Wang Li-Ping, chief of the Division of Talents Resources Department of Zhongguancun Science Park, says the rapid development of the park can be partially attributed to overseas talents.

    "So far over 6000 overseas Chinese have established around 2300 high-tech companies in Zhongguancun. They've already become a pillar power in the science park. In terms of their educational background, they usually have graduate degrees or over and most of them have great work experience in foreign countries."

    China's rapid development is resulting in, among other things, a need for more qualified personnel. It is hoped that more students with foreign educations and real ability will return to China after their studies.

(Source:CRIENGLISH.com)