Career Building and Social Capital Dynamics of International Graduates Educated in Türkiye

Abstract

The experiences of international graduates who studied in Türkiye and returned to their home countries serve as a vital indicator of individual success and Türkiye’s global visibility. This study investigates the opportunities provided by Turkish higher education, its perception within the graduates' local societies, and how ongoing relationships with Türkiye enhance the country’s social capital. By employing qualitative methods, the research features in-depth interviews with 10 graduates selected through maximum diversity sampling from Africa, the Middle East, and the Turkic Republics. The analysis focuses specifically on the impact of this education on job opportunities, professional reputation, and social status, while also evaluating the regional differences in how these qualifications are reflected in the professional world. The findings indicate that a Turkish education offers significant advantages across various regions, though the degree of impact varies geographically. In African countries, graduates reported that their education provided substantial prestige in the labor market, granting them a distinct competitive edge in their professional lives. Similarly, graduates from the Turkic Republics acknowledged that studying in Türkiye opened doors for their careers, though these advantages were less pronounced than those observed in Africa. In the Middle East, the benefits were found to be more specialized and varied significantly depending on the specific sub-region. Ultimately, the study reveals that these graduates not only gain personal professional advancement but also serve as bridges that contribute to Türkiye's international social capital through their sustained bilateral connections.