Motivating Factors for International Migration: A Case Study of Nepalese Students Living Overseas

Nepal has one of the highest rates of student outflow abroad in search of better education and employment opportunities.However, this emerging phenomenon also causes much concern about the so-called 'brain drain' and its implications in the country.This study explores the motivating factor for the out-migration of Nepalese students to other countries.I selected six participants living in different foreign countries through purposive sampling and conducted in-depth telephone interviews to elicit their personal experiences.The results indicate that students are motivated not only by push factors such as scarcity of opportunities in Nepal and political disturbances and by an obsolete education system in the country but also by pull factors such as advanced education systems, more predictable employment, and improved quality of life abroad.This study concludes that while migrating abroad gives students opportunities to grow personally and professionally, it also contributes to Nepal's loss of skilled individuals.Therefore, this study suggests that improving domestic education, providing long-term job opportunities, and promoting good governance are crucial for Nepal to retain its human capital and encourage students to return home after studying abroad.