Evaluation of Iranian Students in the United States and Their Returnability to the Islamic Republic of Iran

This study focused on Iranian students in the United States and factors influencing their decision to stay in the United States or return to the Islamic Republic of Iran after completion of their studies. Data were gathered via a mail survey of 130 Iranian students. Results indicated that almost 70 percent of respondents expressed intentions to return to Iran. Factors with high correlation with students' decision to remain in the United States included personal freedom and opportunity to stay; factors with moderate correlation were better work conditions, acceptable political conditions, better chance for advancement in profession, convenient life, better salary, and appropriate use of scholars' skills. Factors that were highly correlated with students' decision to return to Iran included convenient life and personal freedom, while factors that were moderately correlated included personal safety, acceptable political conditions, discrimination against Iranians, acceptable social life, emotional supports to parents, better work conditions, separation from religion, and separation from relatives. Strategies to encourage students to return to Iran are offered. (Contains 36 references.) (JDD)