ABSTRACT:
This paper highlights the possible role of student exchange agencies as facilitators of immigration. It aims to understand consumer behavior and the factors that motivate Brazilians to immigrate to Australia. The researchers conducted a survey of 608 consumers, linked to ten Facebook groups representing communities of Brazilians living in Australia. Using a logistic regression model, the researchers chose the study-dependent variable to be represented by the permanent immigrant, with a value of 0 (zero) if respondents did not intend to live in Australia permanently or 1 (one) if they did. The independent variables, representing factors present at the time of arrival in the country, and which may affect the decision to immigrate permanently, were sex, age on arrival, future intention to investing in the country, student visa, and level of education. The results point to statistically significant factors related to immigration to Australia, based on the respondents’ sociodemographic profiles. In-depth interviews were also conducted with a travel agent and Brazilian residents. As practical implications, the article highlights consumer behavior, motivations for immigration, and factors that lead to the hiring of student exchange agencies.
KEYWORDS:
Travel agencies; Brazilian immigration; Student exchange