Expat Graduates' Remittances Boost Emerging Market Economies

A study by Prodigy Finance indicates that international students who choose to remain in their study abroad destinations after graduating have a significant positive impact on their families and communities in their home country. 

54 per cent of graduates financed by Prodigy Finance send remittances back home, which helps promote financial development and has a poverty-mitigating impact on their home countries. These additional financial resources directly benefit families and communities, fostering economic advancement. When used for education, health or small businesses, remittances can raise the level of capital in communities. Their contributions not only benefit individual families but also have far-reaching impacts on the broader community.
 
Many expat graduates from emerging markets express a strong desire to give back to their home countries beyond just sending money. They are willing to share their expertise with the workforce back in their home country. These contributions can be in the form of remote work, knowledge sharing, and participation in development projects. This ultimately leads to the social and economic development of their home communities.

86 per cent of the students funded by Prodigy Finance are from emerging market countries. They have limited access to financial resources to access world-class education. Many families don’t have the income or collateral to support their children’s educational aspirations. So when someone from such a region goes abroad to pursue higher education and takes up employment there, it benefits their whole community. 79 per cent of international graduates from emerging markets send or intend to send remittances within the next 5 years.

The impact of these graduates extends beyond borders. Graduates who stay on can help fill skill gaps in the labour market. Expat students also bring diverse cultural perspectives, enriching the host country’s cultural landscape. This can lead to greater cultural awareness and sensitivity among local students that benefit graduates throughout their careers.