The determinants of international students' return intention

Abstract

Students’ non-return is a specific type of brain drain. This paper is an empirical study of the determinants of students’ return intention in New Zealand. Applying a binary logit model on a comprehensive set of survey data, this study finds that initial intention prior to leaving for abroad is the most important factor determining whether or not a student intends to return home after completing his tertiary education. Students’ perceptions on comparative aspects of the home and host country, such as wage competitiveness, working environment, opportunities for knowledge application and lifestyle, also contribute significantly to return intention.