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Should Individuals Migrate Before Acquiring Education or After? A New Model of Brain Waste vs. Brain Drain

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  • Elise S. Brezis

    (Bar-Ilan University)

Abstract

Should individuals migrate before acquiring education or after? In order to analyze the optimality of the timing of migration, I develop a model of migration, which combines the two migration decisions into a unique model – decisions about where to get an education and decision about where to work. The main reason for having a unified model is that investment in human capital cannot be disjoined from the decision about work. This paper shows that brain drain is usually an optimal solution. But, when we incorporate ‘brain waste’ and ‘return migration’, then it is optimal to migrate when young.

Suggested Citation

  • Elise S. Brezis, 2019. "Should Individuals Migrate Before Acquiring Education or After? A New Model of Brain Waste vs. Brain Drain," Working Papers 2019-03, Bar-Ilan University, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:biu:wpaper:2019-03
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Akira Shimada, 2022. "On Compatibility Of Study Migrants’ Acceptance Policies And Immigration Policies," Economy & Business Journal, International Scientific Publications, Bulgaria, vol. 16(1), pages 16-29.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Migration; Brain drain; Brain Waste; Psychological costs; Higher education; Return Migration; Quality of education.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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