From India to Canada: An Autoethnographic Account of an International Student’s Decision to Settle as a Self-Initiated Expatriate

Abstract

International students can be a source of skilled workers for many industrialized countries with an aging population. However, it is unclear if international students would stay after completing their studies, given booming economies in their home countries. The present paper explores the decision processes international students make when contemplating whether to stay or return home after completing their studies. The paper is based on an autoethnographic account of an international student who studied in Canada, and follows her journey as an international student through to settlement as a self-initiated expatriate. Initially, personal factors (such as family encouragement), public policy, and employer practices “pushed” the student to repatriate back to her country of origin after her studies. However, personal ambitions (such as travel and career development opportunities) and prospects for a better life “pulled” her back to Canada. Personal agency and positive experiences also contributed to her adjustment and success as a self-initiated expatriate. The present paper adds to existing literature on the “push” and “pull” dynamic of international student retention in the host country. It further enhances our understanding of why international students decide to remain in the country following the completion of their studies.