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Türkiye’s policymakers and business leaders have long debated the issue of reverse brain drain, the hope that talented Turkish students who study abroad will eventually return to contribute to the country’s economy and society. Yet despite government initiatives and public discussions, this aspiration remains largely unfulfilled.
A recent March 2025 study by GreaTR Platform and FutureBright Group offers the most comprehensive look yet into why the reverse flow isn’t happening. Based on insights from 445 Turkish students educated abroad, the report traces not only their professional journeys but also their emotional struggles, cultural challenges, and complicated ties to Türkiye.
The findings suggest that a combination of systemic barriers abroad and persistent concerns at home have stalled what many hoped would be a natural return of global talent. Meanwhile, there seems to be many reasons abroad that encourage them to return rather than stay.
Yet, the simplistic narratives of brain drain, highlighting that for many, the decision to stay abroad is not a rejection of home country but a pragmatic response to disparities in professional opportunities, economic stability, and social security.
The report underscores that most Turkish students heading overseas follow a predictable academic path. Engineering, business, and economics are the dominant fields of study.
A significant majority of these students graduated from private high schools in Türkiye. Interestingly, about half chose their high schools based on the advantage of non-exam-based admission systems, highlighting how educational privilege and strategic planning intersect in shaping their academic trajectories.
When it comes to destination countries, Italy and Germany emerged as the most popular choices. Both offer reputable universities and strong industry links, particularly in engineering and business sectors.
However, the study points out a critical challenge: not being a European Union citizen significantly disadvantages Turkish students, especially in job markets and access to residency rights. While European education remains attractive, the legal and social barriers in post-graduation life often temper that initial enthusiasm.
For many young Turks educated overseas, stepping into the international job market comes with unexpected roadblocks. According to the study, seven out of ten participants reported facing difficulties when applying for jobs or internships in their host countries.
Even more telling is that only one-third of respondents said they were able to find positions matching their academic qualifications. This mismatch highlights both a saturated job market in many countries and systemic challenges facing foreign applicants — from bureaucratic hurdles to preference for local hires.
For Turkish students investing years in top global institutions, the reality check on employability hits hard, often undermining initial career expectations.
The study reveals a recurring pattern: while overseas education often fulfills academic and professional aspirations, it falls short in creating emotional or social bonds with the host society.
Many participants pointed to feelings of loneliness, difficulty adapting, and experiences of systemic bias. The absence of deep social connections often left them feeling detached, despite academic or professional achievements.
This experience challenges the assumption that global exposure naturally leads to integration. For many, the foreign experience remains transactional rather than transformative.
Contrary to common belief, the experience of isolation wasn’t just about physical distance from home. Language gaps, accent differences, and cultural nuances, including humor and social customs, contributed heavily to feelings of exclusion for the youngsters.
Students of immigrant backgrounds particularly struggled to find spaces where they could fully showcase their potential, reinforcing a sense of marginalization even in multicultural societies.
This cultural mismatch often led to professional and social marginalization, with an increasing sense of being an outsider regardless of academic or career success.
Despite the obstacles abroad, a notable 61% of participants said they would consider returning to Türkiye, but only if certain conditions are met.
Family ties, cultural belonging, and the desire to contribute to the nation’s future were among the key reasons cited. Yet these sentiments often remained secondary to pragmatic concerns about job security, professional growth, and quality of life.
The willingness to return appears more as a conditional option rather than an emotional pull. The message basically conveys that the willingness is there, but the infrastructure isn’t.
For those who rule out returning, the concerns are deeply rooted. Economic uncertainty, political tension, and lack of social protections were the top reasons cited.
Among those who came back, it’s often reported that their expectations, especially regarding salary and benefits, were not met.
One of the most striking findings is the perceived lack of appreciation for international experience in Türkiye’s private sector.
Many returnees felt that their time abroad, both educational and professional, failed to translate into career advantages back home. The private sector’s seeming indifference toward global experience left many disillusioned, particularly those hoping to leverage their skills for meaningful roles in Türkiye’s corporate landscape.
Returnees had mixed experiences when it came to finding work. While 72% are now employed, half said the process was smooth, while the other half described significant difficulties.
Among those who did return, Istanbul emerged as the overwhelming first choice for both living and working.
The city’s vibrant social life, professional opportunities, and cosmopolitan atmosphere seem to provide a relatively smoother landing for repatriates. An increasing number of returnees reported positive changes in their social lives post-return, suggesting that Istanbul may offer a partial antidote to the isolation they experienced abroad.
Finally, the study dispels a common misconception: the choice to study or work abroad is not primarily about escaping Türkiye.
The majority of participants said they would still opt to go abroad if given the choice again. Yet this preference stems from a desire to build a global identity, not from a rejection of Türkiye and the identity.
For these young professionals, being a “world citizen” is less about running from their country and more about embracing broader horizons and operating on a larger playing field.
Despite facing real challenges like social isolation, cultural gaps, red tape, and limited career options, most young Turks say they’d still choose to study abroad if given the chance, driven by the pursuit of quality education, international experience, language skills, and personal freedom.
Yet when it comes to coming back, their feelings get more complicated, shaped by a mix of practical concerns and emotional ties.
The insight appears crucial for policymakers looking to craft smarter strategies to reverse brain drain and better connect with Türkiye’s globally educated youth.
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