The world of international student mobility is experiencing significant shifts, with various factors influencing the well-being of students studying abroad. A recent report reveals concerning trends about Vietnamese students, indicating a high percentage of those who self-finance their education overseas choose not to return home after graduation. Meanwhile, initiatives like "Disconnect to Reconnect" aim to mitigate the negative effects of technology on students' mental health, promoting practices to improve personal connections and overall well-being.
According to the VnExpress International, the Consular Department under Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported alarming statistics about student return rates. Annually, over 250,000 Vietnamese students enroll in educational institutions abroad, with around 10,000 representing the self-funded category. Between 2017 and 2022, approximately 6,800 students earned scholarships, predominantly from Russian and Hungarian universities. Notably, Phan Thi Minh Giang, the department's deputy head, emphasized the brain drain phenomenon, with estimates showing 70-80% of graduates opting to stay abroad instead of returning.
Survey results reveal how drastic the decline has been: out of 8,850 overseas students surveyed across twelve localities, only 1,160 had returned to Vietnam by 2022. By 2023, this number shrunk to just 543. Giang expressed concern over these statistics, attributing the phenomenon to appealing salaries and benefits offered by foreign nations, which outstrip what they might earn back home. Germany was highlighted as a significant destination, where residential visas can extend up to 18 months post-graduation to help graduates find work.
Giang called for broad reform to attract returnees back to Vietnam, indicating this issue as part of larger discussions about international student mobility and national development. With Vietnam standing as one of the top ten nations sending students abroad, the challenge is amplified by the massive community of Vietnamese students, amounting to 86,000, concentrated primarily in South Korea.
On another note, Educatius has initiated the 'Disconnect to Reconnect' initiative to combat the impacts of excessive screen time and social media usage on students' mental well-being. Launched on October 10, coinciding with World Mental Health Day, this program encourages students from 21 different countries to limit their screen time and reflect on how digital habits affect their lives.
The program has yielded impressive results, with participants reporting over 500 hours collectively saved from screens within just seven days. About half of those taking part noted they reduced their social media use by about 5-10 hours each week, with 70% committing to maintain lower screen time moving forward. Many participants also reported reduced stress levels, improved sleep quality, and stronger personal connections due to their engagement with the challenge.
One of the key motivators for this initiative stemmed from Educatius' Global Youth Resilience Index, which surveyed over 4,000 youths aged 16 to 20 from countries including Brazil, Germany, Italy, and Vietnam. The survey identified some alarming trends, showing 42% of respondents spending over 16 hours a week on social media, with many using these platforms excessively at night, adversely affecting their mental health. This intensive usage equates to nearly losing a whole month of the exchange year purely to social media.
Carla Kearns, Vice President of Communications at Educatius, noted, "We wanted to create a simple way for our students and the adults who support them to experience the benefits of disconnecting, even briefly." The shared experience of not relying on social media helped many reconnect with activities they found fulfilling, such as spending quality time outdoors or journaling.
Feedback from participants showcases the program's positive influence. For example, Anna from Germany expressed how the initiative improved her mental health, offering her much-needed time to engage with family and friends. Leticia from Brazil echoed this sentiment, stating she was surprised by how relieving her break from social media felt, allowing her to reconnect with her host family on meaningful levels.
Local Coordinators also embraced the initiative, emphasizing the refreshment of focusing on real-life interactions over scrolling through feeds. Educatius' broader Global Youth Resilience Initiative aims to sustain momentum from these small actions, improving emotional well-being and resilience among students who study abroad.
To address both concerns of brain drain and the well-being of students, efforts must coalesce to formulate effective strategies. By offering support systems catering to both professional opportunities and mental health, countries and institutions can help widen the benefits of international exchanges, leading to enriched experiences for all involved.
