To stay or to leave? : an assessment of the social, economic, and political factors that influence international students when deciding to remain in, or leave Nova Scotia, upon graduation

Abstract

This research examines critical factors graduating/recently graduated international students from Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) universities encounter when deciding to remain in Nova Scotia, move to other provinces, or return home. The 2014 “Now or Never” report identified high rates of educated international students leaving Nova Scotia. This research uses Lee’s Push-Pull Theory of Migration to fill the gap regarding the factors that influence this phenomenon. An online survey (94 respondents) and a focus group were utilized to gather information on social and economic situations, and experiences from a mixed group of international students. The results indicate that they face a series of push factors encouraging their departure from Nova Scotia, and pull factors encouraging them to stay. In both instances, factors are related to social, political, and/or economic reasons. The research highlights that these push-pull factors are not static, and will aid in understanding how political actors can move forward.