Rural-Urban Dynamics in the International Migration of Students from Kerala, India

Abstract The migration of youth from Kerala seeking higher education abroad has been rising significantly in recent years. This study explored the dynamics of international student migration from Kerala, focusing on rural and urban variations on push and pull factors, significant influences, and the challenges confronted by migrating students and their families in both host and home countries. The study was conducted using cross-sectional data gathered from 200 students from Kerala who are currently studying abroad. The results indicated that urban students were primarily pulled by the better employment and income prospects abroad, superior quality of overseas education, exposure to international culture, favourable policies in destination countries for international students, and ease of securing permanent residency. In contrast, rural students were more strongly pushed by the high levels of educational unemployment in Kerala, inadequate higher education facilities, and peer pressure. The most pressing issues encountered by overseas students in their host countries included the high cost of living, delay in getting permanent residency, low-paid part-time work, financial hardships, academic challenges, discrimination and racism, and language barriers. However, financial hardships, low-paid part-time work, academic challenges, discrimination and racism, and language barriers were more severely felt by rural students. Furthermore, the challenges these students face have been further worsened by recent policy changes enacted by the governments of Canada and the UK regarding international students. The families of overseas students in Kerala experienced serious issues such as huge debt liability, financial strain, loan default, increased household responsibilities, depression, and anxiety. These issues were more acute for families of rural students, except for increased household responsibilities. The insights from this study, along with proposed recommendations, could guide policymakers and educational institutions in both host and home countries in formulating specific interventions to address the issues confronted by the overseas students. Keywords: International Student Migration, Overseas Education, Push and Pull Factors, Rural-Urban Differences, Host Country Challenges, Issues of Families of Overseas Students.