Leaving Home? The Role of Migration Abroad in Uzbek Students’ Career Choices

Nozima Burieva

Bakalářská práce

Abstract:

The increase in international mobility among young people in Uzbekistan has raised concerns about the loss of skilled human capital and its impact on the future development of the country. Therefore, understanding the factors shaping student’s migration intentions is becoming increasingly important. This thesis examines the impact of international migration on the career choices of Uzbek students, with a particular focus on their motivations to move abroad or remain in Uzbekistan. The study investigates how career expectations shape migration decisions among students majoring in economics and pedagogy. The empirical part of the study is based on a survey conducted in September 2025 at Qarshi State University in southern Uzbekistan. The final sample included 156 respondents. The results show that career development is the strongest motivation for studying or working abroad, followed by gaining new experience among female students and higher salary expectations among male students. Most respondents expressed a desire to return to Uzbekistan after studying abroad, primarily due to family ties and a desire to contribute to the country’s development. Overall, the thesis provides a deeper understanding of student’s perceptions of international migration, explains why many of them still intend to return home, and suggests directions for future research in an area where migration research conducted among students remains limited.

Keywords

international migration, university students, career expectations, student mobility, Uzbekistan, higher education, remittances

Jazyk práce: angličtina

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 19. 4. 2026

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Obhajoba proběhla 25. 5. 2026
• Vedoucí: Ing. Tereza Pilařová, Ph.D.
• Oponent: Giri Prasad Kandel, Ph.D. MSc

Česká zemědělská univerzita v Praze

Fakulta tropického zemědělství

Bakalářský studijní program:
International Cooperation in Agricultural and Rural Development