VIEWhile many still see studying abroad as a way to “escape” the domestic system or seek a more stable future overseas, a different perspective is emerging among families with a long-term vision: studying abroad is not the destination, but a stepping stone for the next generation to return – to contribute, to lead, and to carry forward the values of their family, community, and even their nation. This is the Legacy Mindset – and it’s also the compass that guides how Mentors14 supports students and parents alike.
Studying abroad was once seen as the path to “move up,” to reach out to the world. But today, in an increasingly flat yet uncertain world, the value of international education lies not in leaving Vietnam – but in how students can accumulate global knowledge, skills, and mindset to return and solve the root challenges within their own communities.
The legacy mindset views studying abroad not as an “exit,” but as a strategy for personal development tied to a long-term mission. Students are not only equipped to work for a foreign company – they are prepared to inherit, innovate, and lead the values passed down from their family, their hometown, or the traditional fields they come from.
Families Are Not Just Paying Tuition – They’re Investing in a Next Generation
For many families – especially those with deep professional, business, or intellectual roots – sending their children abroad is not just an educational decision; it’s a strategic decision about succession and legacy.
Children are not “copies” meant to take over an existing enterprise. They are the new generation – who need access to international standards, independent thinking, and self-leadership – so they can define their own version of inheritance and leadership.
A legacy mindset does not force children into molds, but it also doesn’t leave them to “swim alone” among countless unstructured choices. It’s about guiding with patience, respect, and nurturing intrinsic strength from early on – so when they grow up, they are not only competent but also deeply aware of how to contribute to the community they came from.
Mentoring – When Guidance Looks Beyond Grades
One of the biggest reasons many students study abroad but never “look back” is the absence of someone close enough to ask:
“After graduation, who do you want to become? What kind of impact do you want to make? Have you ever thought about coming back?”
Mentoring is not just about helping a student build a strong application. A true mentor helps students understand why they study, why they choose a major, why they choose a country – and gradually connects their academic journey to their personal values and cultural roots.
At Mentors14, we believe that a student doesn’t need to be forced to come back – if, from the beginning, they already understand why they must go far in order to return. Each mentoring session becomes a small step in shaping strategic thinking for the future – not just for themselves, but for something greater and longer-lasting.
“Returning” Does Not Always Mean Coming Home Physically
The “returning mindset” isn’t always about returning geographically. A student studying in the UK who builds a network for Vietnamese peers, or an alum in the US who creates scholarships to support future students – both are examples of “returning” in their own meaningful ways.
To inherit is not to copy. To lead is not to impose. It’s when students become the best version of themselves – and use that version to create value for what they care about.
A student who knows how to “return” – in thought, in responsibility, and in purpose – is exactly the kind of leader our society needs.
Study Abroad – To Go Far, and To Return with Greater Depth
When the legacy mindset is nurtured early, studying abroad is no longer about “leaving and never coming back.” It becomes a journey of inner growth, rooted connection, and purposeful contribution.
At Mentors14, we don’t just help students build applications – we work with families to plant a vision: Go to grow. Grow to return – and lead.
Read the vietnamese version here.