| dc.description.abstract | This thesis examines the migration stories of international students that have relocated to Berlin. With this thesis, I aim to answer the following two research questions: What are the students’ motivations and expectations before they move to Berlin and how are their migration stories linked to their motivations? What kind of experiences have the students gained, and how have their experiences impacted their lifestyle and wellbeing?
The research questions have been approached by a qualitative method inquiry. In-depth interviews and oral history have been applied following thematic analysis to obtain a comprehensive picture of migration stories. The examination of individual experiences and perspectives points out the highly individualistic migration patterns in addition to common themes within the data material. I have applied concepts of people-place relationships, wellbeing and lifestyle migration to the study. Due to their interrelation, a combination of these concepts served as a tool for analysing and discussing the findings.
The study reveals diverse motivations deriving from previous experiences and personality traits. Dominant themes have been a desire to gain new experiences as well as an escape from previous restraints and a search for a better way of life. In addition, the study highlights the impact of place attachments on people’s wellbeing. In terms of the perception of Berlin, the students have experienced Berlin as a diverse, international and accepting place with opportunities for self-realisation and comfortable life. | |
