Chinese students who have studied abroad are facing heavy pressures when they return to their homeland. As they navigate a complex job market influenced by shifting political climates and societal perceptions, many are caught in a limbo between their international experiences and domestic expectations. This article provides an overview of the challenges these graduates—especially those educated in the U.S.—often encounter.
Ezio Duan He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communication in the United States. He is a true reflection of the experiences of many returnees. After applying to 400 jobs, receiving just three offers, and attending dozens of interviews, the cutthroat competition to get a job in China became clear. Overseas graduates increased in number from around 350,000 in 2013 to more than 1 million by 2021. This triple increase has added a whole new level of severity to the struggles they face upon returning.
Rigid Domestic Screening Processes
What many returnees, Yuan included, have come to realize is that there is more to learn. They argue that China’s “screening mechanism” for postgraduate programs is tougher than most other countries. Countless other scholars are discouraged as they seek to return to the academic workforce. They find it hard to get jobs at the public sector. Of all Chinese students abroad, almost 50% said they want to work at state-supported companies or government institutions. This can put tremendous influence on them to go along with local interests.
Yuan raised alarms regarding graduate students coming from the West. He thinks they “might not totally jive” with the domestic workplace culture, making their reintegration all the more difficult. Many view overseas graduates as fundamentally less committed or less able than local candidates. Duan believes this perception is an untrue and damaging stereotype.
The sentiment surrounding foreign-educated graduates has shifted dramatically, with Dong Mingzhu, a prominent figure, asserting that companies “will never use any returnees because there could be spies among them.” This climate of suspicion only fuels the challenge returnees face as they look to make the next step in their burgeoning careers.
The Impact of Geopolitical Tensions
Geopolitical tensions, especially during the current China-U.S. trade war, have only increased the pressures this cadre of new graduates must navigate. Wu articulated that there is an “inward-looking self-reliance and security” that has emerged as a response to these tensions. This emphasis on national security has fostered an atmosphere of hysteria over espionage, turning suspicion into a “social norm” in China.
Graduates such as Barry Lian have experienced the impact of this environment personally. Alas, Lian subsequently lost his visa due to a President Donald Trump administration legacy ban. He thinks his experiences in the U.S. have created barriers to him being able to break back into the public sector once he returns home. He described his situation: “Being caught up in the dispute between the two countries just left you helpless.”
While Lian encountered many hurdles along the way, his determination ultimately made the difference. After going through more than 70 applications, he finally received a job offer from a private investment firm based in Shanghai. His story highlights the difficult reality of job seeking for returnees facing an uphill battle as the job market becomes more competitive.
Navigating Cultural Expectations and Workplace Norms
One of the biggest challenges returnees struggle with is adjusting to the fast-paced work culture in China. Duan highlighted the “widespread pressure of long working hours” as a “real problem” that many must confront upon returning. This added pressure compounds the stress that graduates are already under. The latter, with the former, creates learning ecosystems that typically foster healthier work-life balances.
Lian’s experience is a common one, such that applying for positions in private companies can sometimes be an inscrutable and draining process. He found that he was overqualified and experienced. Stereotypes related to his ethnicity, culture, and religious views created obstacles for him to get hired. This is indicative of a larger trend, where returnees are not able to shake the perceptions tied to their foreign-domiciled education.
As an increasing number of Chinese students pursue education abroad, knowing how to navigate these obstacles will be key for Chinese and American policymakers and employers. An increasing percentage of graduates are moving back home. New focus should be placed on their integration and the tremendous positive impact they can have on China’s economy.
