EDUCATIONAL MIGRATION : Retaining international students in Kemi Tornio University of Applied Sciences

Abstract

Thesis description: This thesis investigates and presents the reasons why international students are migrating from the Kemi Tornio University of Applied Sciences. Theoretical summary: Migration could be a permanent or temporary move from a place of residence to another, triggered by voluntary or involuntary factors; otherwise pull and push factors of migration respectively. Education is one main reason amongst many, why people are often attracted to migrate and this is in turn very beneficial for the destination country/region. As a political strategy, encouraging immigration is a medium through which national governments secure internationalization and new ideas/reforms. Methodological summary: Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used in this research such as: questionnaires, interviews, documented material, internet sources, discussion sessions and observations. Questionnaires were delivered face-to-face, while personal and telephone interviews were conducted focusing on highlighting certain aspects of the research and also getting sufficient material to support discussions that emerged. Main results: The results of the research proved that it takes 2 or more factors to result to international students’ migration from Kemi Tornio University of Applied Sciences. Common examples of such factors include insecurity, attitudes of teachers towards international students, dormant social life etc. Economic factors were just one part of the many other reasons that triggered international students’ migration. Conclusions: International students’ migration is preventable but it would need to be targeted from different aspects, and both students and staff should be involved in the planning and implementation of new changes. Key words: International students, educational related-migration, involuntary factors, prevention