Migration Attitudes of the Students Enrolled in Arctic-Focused Higher Education Programs

The article presents the findings of a sociological survey conducted in the regions that are partially or completely included in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation (hereinafter - the Russian Arctic). The goal of our research is to study migration attitudes of students and determine the factors affecting the readiness of future skilled personnel to leave the territory of the Russian Arctic. The survey was conducted among students enrolled in Arctic-focused higher education programs and trained for the needs of the economy and social sphere of the polar regions of Russia in the cities of Arkhangelsk, Murmansk, Krasnoyarsk and Yakutsk. The study pays considerable attention to information-related and educational factors associated with the subject matter of the Arctic ("Arctic-focused" education; assessment of the extent of Arctic-related specifics of educational programs; awareness of specifics of formation of the Russian Arctic, and others). According to the results of the survey, migration attitudes of students are identified as quite strong. We have confirmed the hypothesis that when students consider their preparation for the future Arctic-focused specialty, they generally reduce the level of their migration attitudes and do not express a strong intention to leave the region. Internal migration is the dominant direction of potential student migration. Migration preferences of students are almost equally divided between capitals and other regions of Russia. Among the capital regions, Saint Petersburg is the most popular one, and the regions of Central and Southern Russia are most popular among the provincial ones. Most potential migrants collected information on living conditions and specifics of moving, both in person and at a distance. Some of them were looking for a job in a new region (country), and only a few were engaged in specific preparation for moving. Migration intentions of students are primarily related to economic factors. Psychological and information-educational factors affect the delay in the planned time of leaving the Arctic macro-region. Using the results of the survey we formulated recommendations for higher education institutions that can positively affect the migration situation in the Russian Arctic. Our recommendations include the development and modernization of Arctic-focused educational programs, comprehensive career guidance work with students, strengthening of interaction with employers and with national and local government, inclusion of graduates working in the territory of the Russian Arctic in the educational process, promotion of innovation and research-to-practice work of students.