Place-related factors, employment opportunities and international students' migration intention : evidence from Göttingen, Germany

"There is an international competition for international students. This phenomenon is characterised by countries aiming not only to attract international students but also to retain them after graduation. Despite the importance of their migration intention, the factors influencing the decision-making, have not been fully elucidated. This study focuses on factors influencing international students´ intention to stay or leave the city (region) of their studies. More specifically, place related and human capital factors as well as employment opportunities. Based on data from a quantitative survey conducted among international students and qualitative interviews with regional company representatives, this study reveals a positive impact of the satisfaction with place-related factors on the staying intention of international students, specifically translating into a positive intention to remain in the city (region) (Göttingen, Germany). Furthermore, the study shows that international students are not well informed about employment opportunities in the region and that they are not a specific target group for regional companies. These results reveal an interesting interplay between the different factors and specific areas to be improved in order to enhance the opportunities for all involved stakeholders." (Publisher's text, IAB-Doku)