The thesis analyses the influence studying abroad has on subsequent mobility and career patterns. It uses the example of Poles who moved to Germany from the mid of the 1990s onwards. These graduates are now working either as returnees in Poland or remained as young professionals in Germany. The empirical part comprises two series of qualitative interviews and a quantitative online-survey by combining them into an integrative research design. Based on the interviews two typologies on labour market positioning following educational migration were created. They reveal that Poles benefit from their study abroad experience professionally. According to the online survey 70% of the survey participants returned to Poland. Research results suggest policy approaches with regard to educational migration and show how academic exchange organisations and higher education institutions can influence upon study abroad and career patterns.weiterlesen