Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the financial struggles of middle-class families in China, particularly focusing on the rising costs of international schools and the shift in educational choices as families reassess the return on investment in their children's education [3][6][22]. Group 1: Financial Struggles of Middle-Class Families - Many middle-class families are opting out of private or international schools, reflecting a broader financial crisis as they prioritize essential expenses over educational luxuries [5][12]. - The closure of several private and international schools, such as Shenzhen's Houde Academy and Beijing's Nord Anglia, highlights the trend of families discontinuing payments for expensive education [5][6]. - The rising tuition fees of international schools, with some increasing by over 25% annually, significantly outpace the income growth of middle-class families [7][8]. Group 2: Cost of International Education - The average annual tuition for schools like Beijing Dingshi exceeds 300,000 yuan, and when including additional costs such as boarding and meals, total expenses can surpass 400,000 yuan per year [9][11]. - Beyond tuition, families face numerous hidden costs, including uniforms and extracurricular activities, which can add substantial financial burdens [11][12]. - The perception of international schools as a pathway to elite education is challenged by the reality of high costs and uncertain returns on investment [12][22]. Group 3: Educational Choices and Parental Anxiety - Parents are increasingly aware that the financial commitment to international schools does not guarantee a successful educational outcome, leading to a reconsideration of their choices [12][21]. - The article outlines two main educational paths for middle-class families: sending children abroad to international schools or choosing domestic internationalized schools, both of which come with their own sets of challenges and anxieties [14][15]. - The competitive nature of international education has transformed it into a family-wide endeavor, where the pressure to succeed extends beyond the child to the entire household [26]. Group 4: Changing Perceptions of Overseas Education - The value of overseas degrees is diminishing in the job market, leading families to question the worth of investing heavily in international education [28]. - The article suggests that many middle-class families are beginning to seek more practical and affordable educational options that align better with their financial realities [28].

Group 1 - The education landscape in China is undergoing significant changes, with students increasingly prioritizing employment prospects over prestigious institutions [1][2][3] - The number of college graduates in China has reached a record high of 12.22 million, leading to a complex employment situation for graduates [2][19] - There is a growing trend of students opting for vocational education and less prestigious universities that offer better job prospects [1][3][39] Group 2 - The traditional view of prestigious universities as a marker of success is being challenged, as students and parents become more rational in their choices [4][5] - The job market's structural issues are exacerbated by the oversupply of graduates, with many graduates lacking the skills required by employers [12][18] - The increasing focus on practical skills and adaptability in education is essential to meet the demands of a rapidly changing job market influenced by AI and automation [8][24][30] Group 3 - The employment landscape is characterized by three main challenges: increased supply of graduates, decreased employment elasticity, and intensified structural mismatches [19][20][21] - Opportunities exist in the form of skill-based restructuring of talent supply, digitalization, and the growth of the elder care industry [22][23] - The financial sector is experiencing a decline in job market attractiveness, with a mismatch between the skills of graduates and the demands of employers [26][27] Group 4 - The need for educational reform is critical, with a focus on integrating practical skills training and soft skills development to enhance employability [40] - The current labor market is influenced by macroeconomic factors, with a need for policies that support job creation and address structural employment issues [36][38] - The future of higher education in China may face challenges if reforms are not implemented, potentially leading to a decline in enrollment and institutional viability [40][41]

Core Viewpoint - The discussion around university students' living expenses highlights a generational divide in financial expectations and lifestyle choices, with parents often adhering to a more frugal mindset while students seek a more comfortable and socially engaging experience [3][27][28]. Group 1: Living Expenses Overview - The average monthly living expense for university students in China is approximately 1280 yuan, with over 70% of students spending more than 1000 yuan [7]. - Living expenses vary significantly by region, with students in Fujian, Shanghai, and Beijing having the highest costs, while those in Qinghai, Xinjiang, and Ningxia face the lowest [8]. - A classification of living expenses reveals six tiers, ranging from basic needs under 1000 yuan to luxury spending over 5000 yuan [9][10]. Group 2: Generational Perspectives - Parents often view living expenses as a necessary cost, while students see them as essential for social engagement and personal enjoyment [24][28]. - The disparity in financial expectations has led to a clash of values between parents, who prioritize practicality, and students, who emphasize quality of life and emotional well-being [27][28]. - The rising cost of living for students has outpaced wage growth, creating a "scissors gap" that exacerbates the divide in financial perspectives between generations [19][28]. Group 3: Spending Habits and Influences - Students' spending habits are influenced by personal choices, with significant portions of their budgets allocated to food, entertainment, and social activities [14][15][29]. - Gender differences in spending are evident, with female students typically spending more on clothing and cosmetics, while male students focus on entertainment [14]. - Emotional spending, or "emotional consumption," is prevalent among students, with many believing it is crucial for maintaining mental health [24]. Group 4: Parental Concerns and Strategies - Parents express concerns about the financial burden of supporting their children, especially in light of rising living costs and the need for students to develop financial independence [28][30]. - Some parents adopt a formulaic approach to determine appropriate living expenses, factoring in daily meal costs, study materials, and emergency funds [38][39]. - The narrative emphasizes the importance of teaching financial literacy to students, encouraging them to manage their expenses wisely rather than solely relying on parental support [40].