The Loss of KAMK’s International Graduate Students to Other Regions of Finland: Causes, Impacts and Possible Solutions

Abstract

Kajaani, the capital of Kainuu Region, boasts of the beautiful scenery of Lake Oulu and Kajaaninjoki and a population of about 38,000 inhabitants. It is embedded in and surrounded by nature and everything required for everyday living is accessible within a walking distance. In recent years, the city has become an attractive hub for international students because of its location, robust curriculum and affordable tuition. However, it was observed that a large percentage of international students leave Kajaani and the Kainuu region for other regions of Finland shortly after they complete their studies. This research is borne out of the researcher’s concerns of the outward migration of graduate international students of Kajaanin Ammattikorkeakoulu (KAMK) also known as Kajaani University of Applied Sciences to other regions of Finland. The framework is built on the theories of internationalization of the Finnish educational system, international student mobility, and the forces that motivate international students to leave their home countries. This research was conducted as a case study of KAMK with primary and secondary data obtained from surveys, interviews and existing records. The findings indicated that graduate international students of the said institution left Kajaani and Kainuu to the southern regions of Finland because of their inability to secure jobs corresponding their degrees. This hurdle was created by their lack of skill in the Finnish language. These findings confirmed the need for the case institution to improve on its language programs and the students to adequately prepare for and make extra efforts to integrate into the society in order to be acculturated and reap the benefits the regions provides.

Key words: Internationalization, International students, Migration, Kajaani, Kainuu, Finland