World Youth Report 2013: Youth and Migration

Page 25

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Because these young women are able to send remittances to family members, they often enjoy a higher status in their communities of origin, although they may find themselves in a more restrictive, patriarchal environment in their marriage household. This trend has resulted in an increase in cases of depression and anxiety for many young men living in the sending communities over their diminished status and dwindling marriage prospects.

GLOBALIZATION AND SOCIAL NETWORKS FACILITATE YOUTH MIGRATION The availability of faster and cheaper means of transportation has improved human mobility and thus facilitated

education tend to be more likely to have the desire to migrate (internally

world. Web-based social networking platforms such as Facebook, YouTube weblogs (blogs) have been particularly important within this context, in addition to more traditional information technology, such as television and radio, in less connected parts of the world.

international migration, but it is arguably the development of information and communications technology (ICT) that has played a key role in facilitating the

Youth with at least some secondary

to take advantage of them in today’s

migration of young people. Youth who have access to information about better opportunities elsewhere are more likely

Social networks are playing an increasingly visible role throughout the migration process, from initial decision-making to permanent settlement or return. Evolving ICT options have transformed the nature

and internationally) than those with less education. There are young people who migrate because they want to satisfy a desire for adventure or experience a different culture. Aspirations towards increased social prestige as well as family pressure or responsibilities can be influenced by the attitude of returning migrants and ultimately inform the migration decisions of potential youth migrants in places of origin.

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TOP SOURCES AND DESTINATIONS OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS The number of students enrolled in tertiary education abroad rose from 2 million in 2000 to 3.6 million in 2010, an increase of 78 per cent. China, India and the Republic of Korea were the top sources of international students. The United States of America was the most popular destination for foreign students, accounting for 19 per cent of the world total, followed by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (11 per cent), Australia (8 per cent), France (7 per cent), Germany (6 per cent) and Japan (4 per cent). Source: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (2013).

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