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Evaluation of Language Training Programs in Luxembourg Using Principal Stratification

Author

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  • Bia, Michela

    (LISER)

  • Flores-Lagunes, Alfonso

    (Syracuse University)

  • Mercatanti, Andrea

    (LISER)

Abstract

In a world increasingly globalized, multiple language skills can create more employment opportunities. Several countries include language training programs in active labor market programs for the unemployed. We analyze the effects of a language training program on the re-employment probability and hourly wages of the unemployed simultaneously, using high-quality administrative data from Luxembourg. We address selection into training by exploiting the rich administrative information available, and account for the complication that wages are "truncated" by unemployment by adopting a principal stratification framework. Estimation is undertaken with a mixture model likelihood-based approach. To improve inference, we use the individual's hours worked as a secondary outcome and a stochastic dominance assumption. These two features considerably ameliorate the multimodality problem commonly encountered in mixture models. We also conduct sensitivity analysis to assess the unconfoundedness assumption employed. Our results strongly suggest a positive effect (of up to 12.7 percent) of the language training programs on the re-employment probability, but no effects on wages for those who are observed employed regardless of training participation. It appears that, in the context of an open and multilingual economy, language training improve employability but the language skills acquired are not sufficiently rewarded to be reflected in higher wages.

Suggested Citation

  • Bia, Michela & Flores-Lagunes, Alfonso & Mercatanti, Andrea, 2018. "Evaluation of Language Training Programs in Luxembourg Using Principal Stratification," IZA Discussion Papers 11973, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
  • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp11973
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    Cited by:

    1. Efstathiou, Konstantinos & Mathä, Thomas Y. & Veiga, Cindy & Wintr, Ladislav, 2019. "Active labour market policy use in Luxembourg: evidence from a firm survey," Journal for Labour Market Research, Institut für Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung (IAB), Nürnberg [Institute for Employment Research, Nuremberg, Germany], vol. 53(1), pages 1-12.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    principal stratification; policy evaluation; language training programs; unconfoundedness; sensitivity analysis;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs
    • J38 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Public Policy

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