The push-pull factor model and its implications for the retention of international students in the host country

Abstract

PurposeDue to high demand for international talents and skilful workforces, many countries around the world, especially the ageing populations are now looking for new ways and strategies to attract more international talent. Drawing on push-pull factor theory, integrated with theory of reasoned action (TRA), this research examines international students' intention to stay or to leave the host country after completion of the students' studies.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual model has been proposed and evaluated aimed at understanding the factors that influence the decision-making of international students studying in Finland. Data were collected from a sample of 292 international students in Finland and structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the data and examine the relationships between various constructs in the model.FindingsThe SEM results show that several factors influence students' decision to stay or leave the host country after graduation. Aspects related to host country, institutional and economic factors and social influence (norms) directly impact students' attitude towards staying. In addition, attitude towards staying not only has a direct impact on the intention to stay, but also mediates the relationship between different pulling factors and students' intention to stay in the host country. Moreover, challenges and barriers (such as local language, challenge of finding employment and challenge of assimilating into the community or making friends) have a negative impact on the decision to stay in the host country.Originality/valueThis study uses push-pull theory in the Finnish context, contributing to the growing body of literature on international education policies and practices. The findings highlight the need for a more holistic approach to supporting international students, one that considers the students' unique needs and experiences in the host country and provides the students with the necessary resources and support to succeed.

Study destination preference and post-graduation intentions: a push-pull factor theory perspective

“…The findings partly support earlier results in the literature that show comparable quality of education, affordability of living and education, language and culture of the host country, scholarship opportunities, geographical proximity, recommendations by family or friends, and ethnic affinities seem to be very prominent in international students' decisions to study abroad (Istad et al, 2021;€ Ozo glu et al, 2015). Moreover, the findings differ from previous studies in the literature such as Jiani (2017), and€ Ozo glu et al (2015), who suggested that environment and recommendations from family and friends play a role in the decision-making process of students when choosing a country for higher education.…”

“…Educational researchers have employed the push-pull model to explain international students' mobility, their decisions to study abroad, the selection of the destination country and educational institution (Chen, 2007;Gbollie and Gong, 2019;Gesing and Glass, 2019;Gutema et al, 2023;Li and Bray, 2007;Mazzarol and Soutar, 2002;Nikou and Luukkonen, 2023). Agarwal and Winkler (1985) found that the cost of education, home country opportunities, perceived benefits and per capita income can impact students from developing countries who wish to study in the USA.…”

Conceptualizing Homo Sensus Academicus Mobilis: Towards a paradigm shift in understanding contemporary global academic mobility

“…In the 1960s, Everett S. Lee (1966), proposed that people migrate for a combination of reasons, such as being pushed from their home due to factors like social instability and economic hardships, as well as being pulled toward a new destination with better economic opportunities and political stability. This framework primarily focuses on comprehending the dual, here vs. there views, that drive mobility motives and choices (Li & Bray, 2007), including academic ones (e.g., Nikou & Luukkonen, 2023). Despite its utilitarian nature, the push-pull paradigm, holding a theoretical pedestal in the migration and mobility fields, greatly opened spaces for upcoming specialized perspectives such as the human capital theory.…”

“…Шездесетих година 20. века, Еверет С. Ли (Everett S. Lee, 1966) навео је да људи мигрирају због споја разних разлога, на пример зато што су протерани из својих домова због фактора као што су социјална нестабилност и економске потешкоће, као и зато што су привучени новом дестинацијом са бољим економским могућностима и политичком стабилношћу. Овај оквир првенствено се усредсређује на разумевање дуалних погледа овде у односу на тамо, који подстичу мотиве и изборе у погледу мобилности (Li & Bray, 2007), укључујући и академске мобилности (npr., Nikou & Luukkonen, 2023). Упркос својој утилитаристичкој природи, push-pull парадигма, која заузима теоријски престо у областима миграција и мобилности, значајно је отворила простор за предстојеће специјализоване перспективе као што је теорија људског капитала.…”