A Mixed-method Study of the Determinants of International Students’ Employment in the Host Country

Abstract

Drawing from the theory of planned behavior, this study examine the determinants of the students' employment outcomes in the host country. We conducted a mixed-method approach comprising a three-wave longitudinal survey of 121 Chinese students in German universities and 43 interviews. Our results suggest that the international students' attitudes toward working abroad and perceived employability indirectly influence their employment outcome in the host country through the intention to work in the host country. In addition, we found moderating effects of career capitals on the relationship between the intention to work in the host country and employment outcome. Career capitals weaken the impact of intention to work in the host country on employment outcomes. To further understand the relationships, we conducted a qualitative interview-based study of 43 Chinese students in German universities. The findings elucidate that international students' attitudes and perceived pressure impact their decisions to work in the host country differently in the long and short run. These two studies provide implications for international mobility research.