Push/Pull Factors, Networks and Student Migration from Côte d’Ivoire to France and Switzerland

Since 2011, the Ivorian government has invested heavily in higher education to meet its labour market’s growing demand. In this article, we analyse drivers of student mobility from Côte d’Ivoire France and Switzerland, highlighting central role migrant networks. We focus on decision-making process find that migration networks play an important at every step: initial aspirations concrete plans efforts study abroad. Using 38 depth interviews two groups with students who aspire members board, officers, diaspora, reveal functioning system is a factor uncertainty for many consider salvation can only come migration. addition, social representations linked foreign diplomas inspire choose international mobility. Migrant further encourage move abroad because stories successful migrants sharing their experience are coupled provision key resources support projects.