More rebalance from Asia

MURRIETA, California — Growing up in mainland China, Hailun "Helen" Zhou always knew she would finish her high-school education in America, whatever the cost.

"That's what everybody does," said the 17-year-old from Sichuan province who has spent the past two years studying in California and who will be graduating this spring. "My father's friends all sent their kids abroad, so that was the trend."

Zhou is among a growing number of Chinese teens who are flocking to US high schools, looking for a Western education and a competitive edge in gaining admission to US universities and then finding a job back home.

But the pursuit of the American dream can quickly turn into a nightmare, experts warn, as many of these so-called parachute kids live in the US with little parental supervision and can end up in trouble — and even in prison.

"It's a huge industry," said Joaquin Lim, who runs a company that helps place Chinese students in American schools. "The last figure I read put it at 25 billion dollars."