读「水硕」的小镇青年，赌一张考公通行证

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by young individuals from less privileged backgrounds who pursue overseas education in less popular destinations, often referred to as "water master's" programs, in hopes of improving their job prospects and gaining access to public sector opportunities [4][5][15]. Group 1: The Journey of "Water Master's" Students - Many students, lacking a strong educational background, invest their family's savings to study abroad in countries like Mongolia, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia, seeking a cost-effective way to enhance their qualifications [4][5]. - The pursuit of overseas education is often seen as a gamble, with many students facing difficulties such as adapting to new environments, mental health issues, and the burden of student loans upon returning home [5][6]. Group 2: Certification Challenges - The certification process for overseas degrees is critical for employment and public sector opportunities in China, with many students struggling to meet the requirements due to various unforeseen circumstances [8][9]. - Issues such as insufficient time spent studying abroad, bureaucratic delays, and the complexities of the certification process lead to significant anxiety among students, with some facing the risk of their degrees being unrecognized [9][10]. Group 3: The Role of Education Agencies - Education agencies often mislead students about the ease of obtaining degrees and the associated costs, promoting low-cost study options without disclosing the potential risks and challenges [22][23]. - Many students report negative experiences with agencies, including unregistered schools, false promises, and inadequate support, leading to feelings of helplessness and despair [23][24]. Group 4: The Reality of Job Market - Despite obtaining degrees, many students find that their overseas qualifications do not significantly improve their job prospects, as local job markets often do not value foreign degrees [26][27]. - The competitive nature of public sector examinations and the lack of favorable job opportunities in their hometowns contribute to the ongoing struggle for these individuals to achieve upward mobility [17][26].