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Why Do People Migrate? Facts

Get an introduction to one of the most misunderstood issues in the modern world: migration.

7,939 enrolled on this course

A drawn image of people walking across a globe

Why Do People Migrate? Facts

7,939 enrolled on this course

  • 3 weeks

  • 3 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Introductory level

Find out more about how to join this course

Learn the facts about why people migrate

Migration often makes headlines; it’s become a key issue of politicians worldwide. But what is the reality of migration? This course will introduce you to key challenges of irregular migration and asylum seeking worldwide. You’ll look at key cases from around the globe, including asylum seekers arriving in Europe via the Mediterranean and Syrian refugees in Turkey, Central American labour migration to the USA and the Rohingya refugee challenge in Southeast Asia.

Skip to 0 minutes and 13 seconds Migration has characterized human societies throughout history. People move and move all over the world for many different reasons, fleeing danger, or looking for a better future. But is leaving one’s country really always a choice? What is the difference among migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers? They are all people. What makes them different is their status, based on motivations, and procedures. Which are the most traveled migrant routes in the world? What is the scope and impact of this phenomenon on economies, people, and communities worldwide? If you’re interested in learning the answer to these and many other questions, and dispel some myths on the issue of migration follow this course.

Skip to 1 minute and 5 seconds You will access stimulating readings and videos, get precious insight from international experts, and enjoy vibrant discussions on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and test your learning. What are you waiting for? Enroll now.

What topics will you cover?

  • Definition of regular migration and asylum seeking
  • Forced and voluntary migration
  • The Syrian refugee crisis
  • The EU asylum regime
  • Politicising migration debates
  • Mexican and Central American labour migration to the USA
  • Gender and Latin American labour migration
  • The case of the Rohingya in southeast Asia
  • The ‘Pacific solution’ policy in Australia

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Identify main terms and concepts used to discuss irregular migration and asylum
  • Discuss key case studies from different world regions
  • Explore future scenarios of international migration
  • Assess the challenges that international migration poses for different countries

Who is the course for?

This course is for anyone interested in learning about migration, you don’t need any past experience.

Who will you learn with?

Anna Triandafyllidou is Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration and Integration at Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada.

Who developed the course?

European University Institute (EUI)

We are the European University Institute (EUI), the leading institute in Europe dedicated to social sciences and humanities. Founded in 1972 by the six original members of the then European Communities, the EUI has earned a reputation as a transnational hub of research and higher learning.

Canada Research Excellence Chair in Migration and Integration

The Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) program is among the most prestigious and generous programs available globally, enabling universities to build on Canada’s growing reputation as a leader in research and innovation. The program recognizes and supports world-renowned researchers and their teams with up to $10 million over seven years to establish ambitious research programs at Canadian universities.

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$27.99

For the first two months. Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$89/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 9 Apr 2024

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

T&Cs apply.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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