Core Viewpoint - The rising tuition fees of international schools in China are leading to a growing disillusionment among middle-class parents, who are questioning the value of such education against the backdrop of stagnant salaries and increasing costs [5][8][34]. Summary by Sections Tuition Fee Increases - Many international schools in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai have announced significant tuition hikes, with some schools increasing fees by as much as 35% [10][14]. - For instance, the tuition for high-grade levels at the prestigious Dulwich College in Shanghai has reached nearly 400,000 RMB, while Beijing's Keystone Academy has raised fees by around 10,000 RMB, bringing total annual costs to over 430,000 RMB [11][13]. Additional Costs - Tuition is only a part of the overall expenses; families also incur costs for meals, uniforms, extracurricular activities, and transportation, which can add tens of thousands of RMB annually [15][16]. - For example, transportation fees can reach up to 23,000 RMB per year, and uniform costs can be around 5,000 RMB [17]. Economic Pressures and School Operations - The financial sustainability of international schools is under pressure due to rising operational costs and declining birth rates, which affect student enrollment [30][31]. - Reports indicate that several international schools have faced financial difficulties, leading to closures or significant operational changes [31]. Educational Value and Market Dynamics - Despite the high costs, many parents feel that the quality of education does not justify the expenses, leading to a perception of diminishing returns on investment in international schooling [22][43]. - The narrative around elite education is shifting, with parents reconsidering the value of international schooling as the job market becomes more competitive and the prestige of foreign degrees diminishes [41][46]. Future Trends - As tuition fees continue to rise, a divide is emerging among middle-class families, with some opting for domestic education paths while others pursue expensive international options [34][46]. - The trend suggests a potential shift towards more cost-effective international education solutions, such as schools in Southeast Asia, as families seek to balance quality education with financial feasibility [46][47].

以下文章来源于十点人物志 ，作者洋平 三金 十点人物志 . 在这里，遇见每一个值得被记录的人 出国后的他们。 采访、撰文 | 洋平 编辑｜三金 野格 来源 | 十点人物志 （ID：sdrenwu） "请来帮我吵个架。" 一个英国留学生发消息给"Toni的福"（以下简称Toni）求助。等Toni赶到对方所在的 健身房，才弄清楚状况，原来仅仅是健身房的会员卡出了一些小问题，工作人员态度也 好，没有一点吵架的气势。只是求助的女生听不懂，只好找外援。 Toni用流利的英语与工作人员沟通，解决了健身卡的问题。过程中，那个求助的学生一 直窝在门厅的沙发里玩手机，等待问题解决。 Toni经常收到类似请求。他们大多曾是她的雅思学生，刚来英国念书，人生地不熟，大 事小事都找她帮忙。学生家长也会雇佣她当陪读，关照自家孩子在异国的生活。Toni服 务内容包括但不限于帮他们订餐厅、改论文，陪他们购物、旅游。 2022年从格拉斯哥大学（一所英国公立大学）毕业后，我就留在英国当雅思老师。学生 和家长知道我在英国生活，当他们来留学时，就会拜托我帮些小忙。久而久之，我成了 陪读。 大多数都是些跑腿的小事，帮忙买个东西、陪着逛逛学校等等，她也 ...