More than 350,000 Chinese students returned home after completing their studies overseas last year, an increase of nearly 30 percent over the previous year, according to the Ministry of Education. It used to be very common for students to remain abroad after studies, seeking internships and well-paid employment. But opportunities have dwindled because of widespread economic problems and unemployment in Europe, the United States and elsewhere. Experts predict a significant turning point in the next five years, as a greater percentage of students return home. However, in the eyes of prospective employers, these returning turtles are no longer as rare and prised as in the past. They face fierce domestic competition from fresh graduates and young professionals seeking the same positions. Some Chinese employers are also unwilling to hire these highly qualified graduates with one or two master’s degrees, meaning they are not cheap. In addition, some employers even think the nine months to two years of education overseas doesn’t make a great deal of sense. In such a short period of time, they can only make limited progress in a foreign language and/or in expertise.