Post-graduation settlement choices of international graduate students attending Memorial University of Newfoundland: a mixed methods study

Abstract

International students, as an ideal source of skilled workers, are vital to the development of Newfoundland and Labrador. This study aimed to investigate the trend in these students’ post-graduation settlement plan, as well as the factors in their settlement decision. The findings of the study reveal that some aspects of life in Newfoundland and Labrador appeal to international students, including closeness to nature, clean atmosphere, and a gentle pace of life. Though they extol the advantages of living in Newfoundland and Labrador, few of them decide to settle permanently here. Other factors such as the lack of meaningful connections, the lack of supports for accompanying spouses of international students, the lack of career opportunities in sectors other than oil and gas, and the lack of city amenities may push them to leave. Therefore, general policies are needed to improve these areas in order to make Newfoundland and Labrador more attractive to international students.