The growing interest in International Study Programs is one of the primary reasons behind brain drain in Vietnam. Many highly talented people choose to study abroad to gain new and practical knowledge that can be used to serve their home country. However, not everyone comes back to their home country due to several reasons. One of the reasons is that settling down in the host country is more attractive due to a better living and working condition. Additionally, there is more career advancement opportunities in the host country.

Solutions

To solve the issue of brain drain, the government should implement policies that encourage talented people to come back to their home country after finishing their degree. Providing suitable and valuable career opportunities, reasonable salaries, and benefits are some of the critical policies. Companies, on the other hand, should invest in training and development programs and provide excellent working conditions to retain talented employees.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the issue of brain drain is severe and alarming. Many highly-talented Vietnamese people leave their home country due to several factors, including a growing interest in International Study Programs and better living and working conditions in the host country. However, proper implementation of suitable policies and corporate initiatives can minimize the phenomenon of brain drain and truly provide a talented workforce to build and develop the country effectively.

The popularity of international study programs has been on the rise, offering educational opportunities for individuals to study in a foreign country. In Vietnam, as of 2022, around 126,000 students are currently enrolled in tertiary education outside their home country (Bangoura, 2022). There are two primary reasons why this trend has emerged. Firstly, the increase in income and education levels of Vietnamese citizens has resulted in enhanced attitudes towards providing a comprehensive education for their children. This has led to a growing interest in international study programs, given the context of globalization and the presence of various international corporations and businesses in the country. Many parents are willing to pay for their children's education, with estimates suggesting that Vietnamese families spend $3-4 billion annually on foreign education (VnExpress, 2018). A foreign qualification is viewed as beneficial for students, leading to interest in international study programs.

The second factor contributing to the popularity of international study programs is the perceived poor quality of education in Vietnam. Studies have found that a significant portion of students feel that the country's education system doesn't meet their needs for obtaining higher knowledge (Hoang et al., 2019). There are concerns that the curricula emphasizes theory over practical, real-world applications, and insufficient interaction between teachers and students, leading to inconsistent progress assessments. Additionally, shortcomings in the quality of facilities hinder students and researchers from maximizing their potential. Studying in an international program has become an attractive alternative for addressing these concerns.

As more students opt for international study programs, many decide not to return to their home country after completing their courses. There are pull factors in the host country that encourage them to settle, such as better career opportunities, high-quality education, and a higher standard of living. This is particularly relevant for families who base their relocation decisions on the well-being of their children. In contrast, negative experiences upon returning home act as push factors for returning to the host country, such as underemployment, insufficient career opportunities, and social pressures.

In conclusion, the growing interest in international study programs among individuals in Vietnam is driven by the desire for a better-quality education and improved career opportunities, life quality in host nations, and dissatisfaction with the quality of education and career prospects in their home country.

Possible

Addressing Brain Drain in Vietnam: Solutions, Recommendations, and References

Brain drain, the emigration of skilled and talented people, has been a longstanding challenge for many developing countries, including Vietnam. To counteract this problem and retain more of its human capital, Vietnam can adopt various measures that involve the government and companies.

For the government, they can introduce policies that incentivize returning Vietnamese students and expatriates to invest or work in their home country, such as tax breaks, employment opportunities, and research grants. Additionally, the government can enhance the quality and relevance of education in Vietnam, so that students and young professionals can find attractive prospects for their careers and personal growth. Moreover, the government can foster a more inclusive and innovative society that values creativity, diversity, and social responsibility to create a better environment for brain gain and retention.

For the companies, they can collaborate with the government and educational institutions to offer internships, training, and job opportunities for Vietnamese graduates and professionals, especially in strategic sectors such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). They can also create a more welcoming and supportive workplace culture that respects and rewards talent, integrity, and teamwork. In addition, they can establish partnerships with overseas Vietnamese communities and networks to tap into their expertise, resources, and networks.

In conclusion, brain drain is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that requires comprehensive and coordinated efforts from various stakeholders. Vietnam can take advantage of its strengths and opportunities to reduce brain drain and increase brain circulation, which can benefit both individuals and the society.

As a recommendation, Vietnam should monitor and evaluate the impact of its brain drain policies and programs, based on reliable and valid indicators, such as the brain drain index (BDI) and the returnee intentions of Vietnamese students and expatriates. Vietnam can also learn from other countries that have experienced brain drain and brain circulation, such as South Korea, India, and China, and apply their best practices and lessons learned to its own context.

For references, the following sources are relevant and informative:

- Bangoura, J. (2022). Everything You Need to Know About International Programs. GoAbroad.com.

- Carr, S. C., Inkson, K., & Thorn, K. (2005). From global careers to talent flow: Reinterpreting 'brain drain'. Journal of World Business, 40(4), 386-398.

- Docquier, F., & Rapoport, H. (2012). Globalization, Brain Drain, and Development. Journal of Economic Literature, 50(3), 681-730.

- Dodani, S., & LaPorte, R. E. (2005). Brain drain from developing countries: how can brain drain be converted into wisdom gain? Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 98(11), 487-491.

- Hoang, M., Moslehpour, M., & Seitz, V. (2019). Decision Making Model of Vietnamese Students Studying Higher Education in England. IAFOR Journal of Education, 7(2), 131-148.

- Ho, N. T. T., Seet, P. S., & Jones, J. (2018). From Brain Drain and Brain Gain to Brain Circulation: Conceptualizing Re-Expatriation Intentions of Vietnamese Returnees. Higher Education Dynamics, 217-234.

- Le, A. (2014). Vietnamese international student repatriates: An exploratory study (Doctoral dissertation).

- Nguyen, C. H. (2013). Vietnamese international student mobility: past and current trends. Asian Education and Development Studies, 2(2), 127-148.

- Nguyen, M. L. T. (2012). Vietnamese students' transitions in study abroad programs. Australian Journal of Career Development, 21(3), 13-22.

- Szkudlarek, B. (2010). Reentry—A review of the literature. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 34(1), 1-21.

- Vietnam Human flight and brain drain. (2022). TheGlobalEconomy.com.

- Tuoi Tre News, Ha, T., & Le, T. (2022). Vietnam spends big on sending students abroad but most refuse to return. Tuoi Tre News.

- Vnexpress. (2018). Vietnamese families splurge $4 billion per year on education abroad. VnExpress International.

The given data presents the comparative standings of the countries affected by the phenomenon of brain drain in the year 2000. In terms of the highest stocks and rates in percentage, Vietnam secured the 9^(th) and 16^(th) positions, respectively. As a consequence, Vietnam was identified as the country that suffered the most significant impact of brain drain during the final year of the 20^(th) century.