Talent retention in South Korean context: social support, cultural adaptation, and career opportunities discourage onward migration intentions of international students

As South Korea grapples with demographic challenges, the Study Korea 300 K Project seeks to double the international student population in higher education by 2027. This study investigates whether social support, cultural adaptation, and career opportunities might discourage these students from migrating further, potentially undermining the initiative’s goals. Structural equation modeling was applied to the responses of 373 international students, revealing a relationship that showed Social support as a critical predictor of cultural adaptation and career opportunities, with both elements contributing to a decrease in migration intentions. The analysis also confirmed the substantial deterrent effect of cultural adaptation on the desire to migrate, although social support’s direct influence on migration intentions was mediated through cultural adaptation and career opportunities. Career opportunities, while influential, did not demonstrate a direct effect on migration intentions. The study urges the enhancement of social support and cultural integration within and outside the higher educational institutions to address the challenges of adapting and retaining international talent within South Korea. By identifying key factors that discourage onward migration, this study contributes to the broader dialog on international student integration and talent retention into the socioeconomic landscape of their host countries.