According to Mon students studying abroad, they are increasingly being forced to prioritize jobs over their education as rising tuition fees, taxes and living costs make it difficult for them to continue their studies.
Following the military coup, political instability and the conscription law prompted young people to leave Myanmar in search of both employment and educational opportunities abroad.
The depreciation of the Myanmar kyat has significantly increased the cost for families in Myanmar paying tuition fees for their children living abroad. The rise of annual tuition fees has forced some students to temporarily suspend their education.
A young Mon woman studying in Japan said “I came here to attend a language school and it allowed me to work part-time, so I initially planned to continue my studies. But I could no longer afford the tuition fees, along with various taxes, so I had to stop attending school. Now, I am working full-time.”
Following the military coup, Thailand has become the main destination for many young people from Myanmar seeking education abroad. Many others have also chosen to study in neighboring countries such as Singapore and Malaysia, as well as in Western countries including England, Australia and Canada.
Discrimination based on nationality in foreign countries is also a major challenge for young people studying abroad.
According to a young Mon woman in Malaysia, “I decided to continue my education here because of the military situation. But I cannot attend school because I cannot afford the tuition fees. When others ask where I come from, I am often afraid to say that I am from Myanmar because they look down on us. I have also had my wages deducted many times at work.”
For young people today, pursuing education is no longer easy, as their access to education is being restricted by armed conflict, natural disasters, political instability and economic hardship. As a result, while some young people have temporarily suspended their education, others have left their homes and are struggling to pursue their studies.
Researchers have found the Mon youth population is becoming increasingly scarce, and are falling behind other ethnic groups in various sectors.
According to a UNDP report dated August 30, around one million young people have left Myanmar during the five years since the military coup. The report also stated that one in four young people aged between 18 and 24 is disconnected from education and employment.
