The Global Classroom: Perspectives of 11th and 12th Grade Students in Praia on Cabo Verdean Emigration, Migration Culture and Studying Abroad

Abstract

The main objective of this research is to analyze the various perspectives of 11th and 12th grade students in the city of Praia, Cabo Verde, on emigration, migration culture and studying abroad. An overwhelming majority of the students who participated in this research have indicated that they are planning to study abroad after their graduation from high school. Nevertheless, the knowledge they have about the receiving country is rather limited. Many young Cabo Verdeans leave their mother country with high expectations and false perspectives which are based upon an illusion. They have a very optimistic view about the world outside of Cabo Verde. According to the 11th and 12th grade students who participated in this fieldwork, migrating to another country represents better living conditions, knowledge, opportunities, happiness, success, and improvement. Only a handful of students pointed out the downside of emigration, in which longing and sadness were the most popular key words related to Cabo Verdean emigration.