Brain Drain - Hochschule der Bundesagentur für Arbeit

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Overview
When analyzing social effects of migration, one should first of all mention the issue of
improving living conditions, which is a direct consequence of a pay rise and
experience gained. In the majority of cases, social consequences of migration are
positive. Collecting the initial capital enabling one to start an independent life,
improve language skills, gain experience, all this improves the chances to succeed
after returning to the country of origin. This assessment, however, may change in
cases where migrant workers decide to settle down in a foreign country. The Irish
example shows that, in the case of taking advantage of the EU membership,
economic prosperity and the country’s active attitude, it is possible to persuade the
citizens residing abroad to return to their country of origin and become an additional
element of development in that country.
Psychological effects of migration are not as positive as the economic ones, taking
into consideration the consequences suffered by individual migrants and their
families. A lot of research carried out to date reveals negative influences of migration
on households. The ones mentioned most frequently are: negative effects on family
life, educational difficulties in the bringing up of children, marital problems, divorce,
burdening family members who are left behind. In addition there are usually
excessive responsibilities, added stress, anxiety of the spouse, sometimes
deterioration in the migrant’s health due to hard work abroad. As a consequence of
occupational migration the traditional, patriarchal model of a family is in decline, there
are changes in social roles. One person, usually the woman, is burdened with the
responsibility of bringing up children and running the household. The bonds between
children and parents can deteriorate rapidly. Occupational migration to a foreign
country is often associated with feelings such as: loneliness, longing (both of the
migrant and of the family members left at home) and there can exist a lack of sense
of security. If we take into account basic human needs, failing to satisfy the most
basic one, a sense of security, the psycho-social and emotional cost of international
mobility proves to be very high. Human health (including mental health) is at this
point in danger, irrespective of whether the migrants or members of their families
back home are concerned.
The courses are:
Course 1: Selected theories of career development and counselling regarding the
psycho-social effects of international mobility
Course 2: Decision making models – Evidence and implications for international
careers
Course 3: The characteristics of international careers
Course 4: Psychological separation of people working and living abroad
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