Reasons, Expectations and Reality: Why Postgraduate Students in Ireland Choose to Migrate for Educational Purposes

Bassey, Emmanuel Eyo (2024) Reasons, Expectations and Reality: Why Postgraduate Students in Ireland Choose to Migrate for Educational Purposes. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

Postgraduate students migrate between countries and continents. The reasons, expectations, and reality experienced by migrant postgraduate students are complex and multifaceted, often shaped by a combination of personal, cultural, and systemic factors. The reasons for migration include but are not limited to better educational opportunity, career advancement, quality of life and escape from adversity. On arrival, these students often harbour high expectations, anticipating personal growth, academic excellence, enhanced career prospects, career enrichment and integration. This study seeks to explore the route taken by the migrant post graduate students in Ireland in meeting their expectations. It delves into the complex interplay between expectations and realities experienced by migrant postgraduate students, shedding light on the emotional landscape they navigate during their academic journeys. The ‘biographical encounters’ approach was used in the study to explore postgraduate migrant recounts, with the aim of uncovering the various economic, social, political, and environmental factors influencing their decisions to move to Ireland. Also, Migrant profiles were assigned based on participants narratives. The actual experiences of these students using qualitative interviews and deductive analysis revealed push and pull factors. By shedding light on the lived experiences of migrant postgraduate students, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the emotional dimensions of international education. It offers insights that can guide policymakers and educators in enhancing support, for this group in their migratory pursuits. The study also hints at areas for further investigation such, as the lasting effect of migration on postgraduate migrants and accommodation challenges.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Supervisors:	Name Email Ruf, Ruben UNSPECIFIED
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Migration; Postgraduate student migrants; reasons; expectations; push and pull; migrant profiles; migrant experiences
Subjects:	L Education > L Education (General) L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education J Political Science > JV Colonies and colonization. Emigration and immigration. International migration > International Migration > Immigration J Political Science > JV Colonies and colonization. Emigration and immigration. International migration > International Migration
Divisions:	School of Business > Master of Science in International Business
Depositing User:	Ciara O'Brien
Date Deposited:	06 Jun 2025 14:00
Last Modified:	06 Jun 2025 14:00
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/7788

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