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Presence of language-learning opportunities and migration

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  • Huber, Matthias
  • Uebelmesser, Silke

Abstract

This paper analyzes the effect of German language-learning opportunities abroad on migration to Germany. We use information about the Goethe-Institut (GI), which promotes the German language worldwide. Our unique dataset covers 69 countries for the period 1977 to 2014. In this multiple-origin and single-destination framework, we estimate fixed-effects models as our basic specification. We find evidence that the number of language institutes of the GI in a country is positively correlated with migration from that country to Germany. To establish causality, we consider Switzerland as an alternative destination, as the number of institutes is exogenous to migration to Switzerland. We find that the number of institutes affects migration to the German-speaking part of Switzerland but not to the French- and Italian-speaking parts. Backed by further extensions, which control for the presence of multilateral resistance, our results point to a causal effect of language-learning opportunities on migration to Germany.

Suggested Citation

  • Huber, Matthias & Uebelmesser, Silke, 2023. "Presence of language-learning opportunities and migration," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 84(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:labeco:v:84:y:2023:i:c:s0927537123000842
    DOI: 10.1016/j.labeco.2023.102409
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    Cited by:

    1. Matthias Huber & Ann-Marie Sommerfeld & Silke Uebelmesser, 2022. "Language learning: human capital investment or consumption?," Empirica, Springer;Austrian Institute for Economic Research;Austrian Economic Association, vol. 49(4), pages 897-948, November.
    2. Jaschke, Philipp & Keita, Sekou, 2021. "Say it like Goethe: Language learning facilities abroad and the self-selection of immigrants," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 149(C).
    3. Miller, Laurie C. & Pinderhughes, Ellen & Pérouse de Montclos, Marie-Odile & Matthews, Jessica & Chomilier, Jacques & Peyre, Janice & Vaugelade, Jacques & Sorge, Frédéric & de Monléon, Jean-Vital & de, 2021. "Feelings and perceptions of French parents of internationally adopted children with special needs (SN): Navigating the triple stigma of foreignness, adoption, and disability," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 120(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Language skills; Language learning; International migration; Panel data;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
    • J61 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers

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