Job hunters attended the first special job fair for Chinese overseas students in Beijing on May 27, 2007. [Photo: International Herald Tribune]

Statistics from the Ministry of Education shows that averagely 35000 Chinese overseas students return to China. How have they handled their job search back home? And what advice would they give to future students planning to go to another country? Our reporter Zhao Zhuang talked to employers and returned students.

In recent years, there are more stories about lower-than-expected salary offer to people returned from overseas study. Many people believe these students are expecting too much. However, many returned students have already re-aligned their expectation.

Geng Geng studied in Australia between 2002 and 2003 and came back to China early 2004. He teaches English at the New Oriental School. He believes if one is confident of his abilities and skills, the beginning salary is not that important.

"The starting salary was not a priority for me. It's more important to get a foot in the door and then prove myself worthy of a higher pay."

Many become more realistic and are willing to adapt. Mr. Zhang holds two master degrees from the US, in engineering and in business administration. He returned to China 5 years ago with a job offer. He points out, not just salary, the compensation structure is quite different here than in the US. But to look at the brighter side, the living expenses are much lower too. For him, the important thing is being part of a booming economy and growing with it.

For those who fail to get a good job with decent salary, the following reasons top the list.

Foreign language skill is a must-have when it comes to hiring someone educated abroad.

Sun Tao, is part of a team to recruit new teachers at the New Oriental School.

"Many applicants I have screened fail to have a decent command of English. Foreign language is a basic skill to acquire from foreign education."

Overseas working experience is another qualification many employers look for.

Cai Jinqing is a partner of Brunswick Group; she hires foreign trained students at times.

"Apart from formal education, we'd also look for a career track. They've got to have relevant experiences. It's important that they live and work in the international settings to really merge in the society and understand the international way of thinking."

Moreover, Sun Tao stresses that the global vision is the number one benefit because it cannot be obtained by just staying in the home country.

To those who are planning to study abroad, here are some advices:

"When you select your major, keep your future career in mind. Don't only look at the hot subjects."

"The degree is not so important, a well-rounded overseas living experience is essential."