China’s overseas returnees earned an average of 10,996 yuan ($1,568) per month in 2019, revealed a recent report jointly issued by the Center for China and Globalization, a Beijing-based think tank, and Chinese online recruitment services provider Zhaopin.com on Dec. 19.

（Photo/Xinhua)

The report said more Chinese students had pursued overseas studies thanks to the rapid development of the Chinese economy and China’s deeper global integration.

The motivation for overseas study among returnees varied. According to the report, 81 percent of those asked said they wanted to experience exotic cultures and enrich their life experiences, 5 percent more than in 2018.

To receive better education and become more independent ranked the second and third reasons for overseas returnees to study abroad.

Nearly three-quarters of the respondents said they achieved expected results from their overseas education, and 13 percent said the results went far beyond expectation.

Statistics from China’s Ministry of Education indicated that over 4.3 million Chinese finished overseas education between 1978 and 2018, and 3.6 million, or 84 percent of those chose to pursue a career back home.

To narrow the distance between themselves and their loved ones was the primary reason for returning home. China’s sound economic development and their love for Chinese culture and food also drove many people to return to China.