An “Intellectual” Migration: Educational Backgrounds, Purposes, And Needs

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to determine the educational status, problems, goals, and expectations of an educated Turkish migrant group who had to migrate to Germany after 2016 due to some political pressure. The process of data collection was carried out between the months of January and September 2021. As a qualitative data collection tool, a semi-structured interview form was applied. After the literature review, open-ended questions were prepared in the interview form in order to determine the views of the participants. The target group of the study consists of 25 interviewees who migrated from Turkey to Germany after 2016. All the participants were selected among the ones who wanted to involve voluntarily in the research, and their identities were kept anonymous. For the timing of the interviews, a convenient time was agreed upon with the participants. Due to the pandemic, the participants were interviewed via e-mail, telephone, or digital media platforms, such as Zoom and Skype. In the research, it was found that participants primarily aimed to work on a job suitable for their education level. Thereupon, they have tried to fulfill the conditions such as language learning and diploma equivalency. While some have achieved their goals, it was seen that the majority of them are making an effort for those purposes. It is anticipated that such studies will contribute to the shaping of immigration policies of the hosting countries.