Low-Skilled Return Migrants as Adult Learners: A Case of Mongolian Migrants Returning From South Korea

Abstract

This is an exploratory study on returning migrants as adult learners preparing to return to their home countries. We examined the educational needs and learning experiences of nine Mongolian migrants returning from South Korea who participated in vocational education programs for imminent returnees. Our qualitative analysis found that returning migrants have (a) the need to bring viable skills back to their home countries, (b) the need to learn how to start a business, and (c) the need to prove their experience and skills acquired in South Korea. Participants’ vocational education experiences revealed that current educational practices (a) provide knowledge that is too basic and abstract to meet migrants’ needs, and (b) lack variety to meet individuals’ needs to develop their skills; however, (c) they did enable migrants to share information and ideas about their upcoming return to Mongolia. Based on the findings, we identified key issues that must be considered to support migrants’ sustainable return to their home countries. The study’s limitations and suggestions for future research are provided to support various types of return migrants and their needs.