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Should I Stay or Should I Go? International Students’ Decision-Making About Staying in Canada

Author

Listed:
  • Elena Netierman

    (University of Waterloo)

  • Lauren Harrison

    (University of Waterloo)

  • Angela Freeman

    (University of Waterloo)

  • Grace Shoyele

    (University of Alberta)

  • Victoria Esses

    (University of Western Ontario)

  • Christine Covell

    (University of Alberta)

Abstract

Recent decades have seen an increase in the popularity of international education. Approximately 500,000 international students were in Canada in 2018 and this number is projected to grow. While we know that many international students decide to stay in Canada, we do not fully understand the decision-making process employed by international students regarding staying in Canada or going back home after completing their education. The purpose of this study was to explore how international students make decisions about their post-graduation destination and what factors they see as pivotal in shaping their decision-making process. We utilized a symbolic interactionist approach to analyze qualitative semi-structured interviews with 60 international students enrolled in post-secondary programs in Canada. Our findings suggest that the meaning students attach to staying in Canada varies from obtaining permanent residency to working for a few months upon graduation. We also demonstrate that for most students, the decision to stay in Canada is formed gradually and is shaped by familial obligations, cultural climate they experience in Canada, employment opportunities available to them upon graduation, and the possibility of obtaining permanent residency.

Suggested Citation

  • Elena Netierman & Lauren Harrison & Angela Freeman & Grace Shoyele & Victoria Esses & Christine Covell, 2022. "Should I Stay or Should I Go? International Students’ Decision-Making About Staying in Canada," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 23(1), pages 43-60, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joimai:v:23:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1007_s12134-021-00825-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s12134-021-00825-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Baruch, Yehuda & Budhwar, Pawan S. & Khatri, Naresh, 2007. "Brain drain: Inclination to stay abroad after studies," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 42(1), pages 99-112, March.
    2. Beine, Michel & Noël, Romain & Ragot, Lionel, 2014. "Determinants of the international mobility of students," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 40-54.
    3. Bratsberg, Bernt, 1995. "The incidence of non-return among foreign students in the United States," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 14(4), pages 373-384, December.
    4. Huyen Dam & Joyce Chan & Sarah Wayland, 2018. "Missed Opportunity: International Students in Canada Face Barriers to Permanent Residence," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 19(4), pages 891-903, November.
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