Study choices and returns of international students: On the role of cultural and economic capital of the family

What is it about?

This paper explores the relationships between cultural capital (educational level of parents) and economic capital (household income) of parents and study destinations and post graduation returns of their children studying at universities abroad.

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Why is it important?

This is the first paper to examine the relationships between cultural and economic capital of a family and the post graduation returns of international students. The findings go against the previously hypothesized notion that middle class families use foreign education of their children to improve their position at the local labour market. It also suggests, that non-returns of children from families with a high cultural capital reduce national competition for the "best jobs". This way international student mobility may increase vertical mobility in the source country.