International student mobility, occupational outcomes, and the reproduction of social and geographical inequalities

This article investigates the occupational returns of the so-called international student mobility (ISM). Using data from a national survey on a representative sample of graduates from all Italian universities, we try to verify if participation in such programs enhances the probability of being employed and the work income level in the first stage of labour mar- ket insertion after graduation. Considering the selection into ISM, we apply the propensity score technique to consider the main sources of inequality in access to such programs, as the social background of origin, and some geographical dimensions of inequality. Results show positive ISM returns regarding both employability and work income. Moreover, our analysis demonstrates how these positive returns decrease but strongly persist, consider- ing the selection into ISM. In summary, if ISM participation could improve all graduates’ labour market performance, it risks boosting (rather than compensating) effects on pre- existing social and geographical inequalities.