When I traveled to China regularly, I'd frequently meet people on the plane who intended to teach English, often without proper paperwork, working under the table. Some would even tell me they are fleeing debt or the terms of a divorce.

Leaving everything behind for an anonymous life in a 2nd tier Chinese city has got obvious drawbacks compared to having a middle class life in the US. But it's better than debt slavery. Many English teachers have a very comfortable life. Clearly enough people are taking this way out that you encounter them regularly while stretching one's legs on the plane to Beijing.

They won't extradite for student loans. For someone that far in debt, leaving is likely the best option for them. They can still be sued though and I'm not sure how that works exactly when you're in different countries.

Since when do countries extradite for debts? I'm pretty sure you have to commit a crime, and the crime must be something that is a crime in the extraditing country as well.