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There is an international competition for international students. This phenomenon is characterised by countries aiming not only to attract international students but also to retain them after graduation. Despite the importance of their migration intention, the factors infuencing the decision-making, have not been fully elucidated. This study focuses on factors influencing international students intention to stay or leave the city (region) of their studies. More specifically, place related and human capital factors as well as employment opportunities. Based on data from a quantitative survey conducted among international students and qualitative interviews with regional company representatives, this study reveals a positive impact of the satisfaction with place-related factors on the staying intention of international students, specifically translating into a positive intention to remain in the city (region) (Göttingen, Germany). Furthermore, the study shows that international students are not well informed about employment opportunities in the region and that they are not a specific target group for regional companies. These results reveal an interesting interplay between the different factors and specific areas to be improved in order to enhance the opportunities for all involved stakeholders.

Rebecca Tlatlik studied Political Science and Cultural Anthropology at the University of Göttingen, Germany. After completing her studies, she started working as a Research assistant in the Department of Development Policy, Migration and Agricultural Policy (DEMAP) at the University of Kassel, where she did also her PhD (graduated 2015). Between 2010 and 2015 she was in charge of lecturing students in development economics and labour migration. She has presented her research at several international conferences. Her research interests are: highly skilled labour migration, international student migration, migration policy and the internationalization of higher education.

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