After fleeing China’s cutthroat graduate job market, Luo Ying hoped pursuing a master’s degree at a university in Cardiff would help her secure a brighter future.
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But months after finishing her history course, she is finding that starting a career in the United Kingdom can be equally gruelling.
“I started applying for jobs right after graduation and have sent out over 600 applications – Chinese teacher, receptionist, or even waitressing. I haven’t heard back from anyone,” said Luo, who is now considering temporary work just to make ends meet.
The pressure has been so overwhelming that Luo has seriously considered returning home for good. But she knows that the competition in China remains relentless – and she is reluctant to admit her time in the UK has been a failure.
“I’ve spent over 500,000 yuan (US$69,000) studying here,” she said. “Leaving with nothing would be devastating.”
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Many Chinese graduates in the UK are facing the same dilemma. Studying at British universities has become a popular choice among young people trying to escape China’s youth unemployment crisis over the past few years.