HOW STUDENT CHARACTERISTICS AFFECT MOBILITY CHOICES AT THE UNIVERSITY LEVEL: INSIGHTS FROM TWO SURVEYS IN THE CAMPANIA REGION

Some evidence from two surveys in Campania region

Abstract

In the context of intellectual migration, student mobility is an important and increasingly studied phenomenon. The Campania region represents a special case among the regions of Southern Italy, as it maintains a certain attractiveness for students. In this regard, a focus on the region’s student mobility is proposed through two lines of research looking at the transition from high school to university and the continuation of studies after the bachelor’s degree obtained at University of Naples Federico II. The aim is to investigate the effects of individual characteristics, socio-family background, geographic aspects, school/university experience and future prospects on mobility decisions. The logistic models for the probability to move show the importance of the family background in both cases. Geographical aspects seem to be important in the transition from high school to university. Future job prospects offered by University of Naples Federico II seem to be not enough to retain all the bachelor students. Finally, the perceived quality of the bachelor’s study experience is not an important determinant in the decision to leave University of Naples Federico II, but students who decided to move have high expectations for the new university.