“贷款留学归来，我在深圳打工，月薪七千”

Core Insights - The article highlights the challenges faced by students from ordinary families who study abroad, particularly in terms of financial strain and job market realities upon returning home [4][9][50] - It emphasizes the diminishing value of foreign degrees in the job market, leading to disillusionment among returnees who expected better opportunities [6][10][51] Group 1: Economic Strain of Studying Abroad - Many families invest heavily in their children's education abroad, often going into debt to support this decision, which creates significant financial pressure [4][50] - Students often choose more affordable study destinations like Malaysia and France due to high costs associated with traditional destinations like the US and UK [5][6] - The cost of living and studying abroad can lead to a frugal lifestyle, with students managing tight budgets and working part-time jobs to make ends meet [27][31][35] Group 2: Job Market Realities - Upon returning to China, many graduates find that their foreign degrees do not guarantee better job prospects, with some facing lower salaries than their peers who studied locally [6][12][21] - The perception of a "study abroad halo" has diminished, with employers increasingly valuing practical experience over foreign qualifications [7][10][51] - Graduates report feeling disheartened as they struggle to find jobs that match their expectations and educational background, leading to feelings of inadequacy [18][51] Group 3: Emotional and Social Impact - The pressure to succeed and not disappoint their families weighs heavily on students, often leading to mental and emotional stress [48][51] - Many students feel isolated and face challenges in adapting to life abroad, which can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and homesickness [28][32][42] - The contrast between their expectations and the reality of their post-graduation lives can lead to a sense of failure, particularly when comparing themselves to peers who did not study abroad [21][51]