Paper short abstract:

Through their biographies and narratives the study will explore the present situation of unique groups of highly qualified migrants. It will focus on mobility and transnationalism, whilst examining (trans)local values and norms by analysing personal expectations and explanations.

Paper long abstract:

The joint project aims to contribute to this complex that is called globalization by focusing on highly skilled migration, mobility and transnationalism. The study consists of two case studies about highly qualified migrants:

1. Swiss in Israel and Israelis in Switzerland

2. Swiss in Senegambia and Senegambians in Switzerland

Through their personal accounts the study aims to understand life experiences of migrants and analyse how they justify their decision-makings leading to transnational/local activities. According to a range of scholarly fields the assumption is that one can only grasp people's experiences by how they express themselves. It is demonstrated that the method of biographical interviews and ethnography is an effective way to further contextualize narratives from a theoretical point of view. Furthermore, the study aims to consider mobility within global images, local/translocal values, personal expectations and experiences whilst examining motivations and processes of decision-making. Topics such as brain drain, brain gain, brain circulation, remittances, transnational marriages and networks will be addressed. The groups being researched have unique historical, cultural, religious and visibility profiles. The impact these factors have on life modes, experiences, imaginaries and decision-makings between and across boundaries are worth further exploration through innovative methodology.