HOW TEMPORARY? THE EDUCATION-MIGRATION NEXUS: REAL-LIFE STRATEGIES AND THE “STAY-RETURN” PARADIGM OF KAZAKHSTANI STUDENTS IN SOUTH KOREA

Abstract

As one of the new actors in the global higher education market, South Korea has enhanced its international competitiveness over the last two decades. Education policies aimed at receiving international recognition have positively affected the country's attractiveness to international students. Exploring the case of Kazakhstani students in South Korea, I address the reasons and motivations behind the students' decision whether to return to their home country or remain in the host country. Building on Bourdieu's capital theory, this research examines how economic and cultural capital accumulation may shape their choice of location after their studies in South Korea. I argue that Kazakhstani students highly prioritize the pursuit of high-tech knowledge, skills and economic factors (high salary) that drive them to stay in South Korea at least at the beginning of their career.