STANAG 6001 Level 3 – Speaking Task (Discussion): Reasons for Migration
Examination Task
There are many reasons why people become immigrants and settle in other countries. Look at the list below. Discuss the following and try to decide which is the most and the least important reason for migration. Be ready to justify your choice.
- To study
- To work
- To escape from conflict areas
Sample Discussion
A: There are several reasons why people decide to migrate to other countries, such as studying, working, or escaping from conflict areas. Let’s discuss them and decide which is the most and the least important reason.
B: Alright. I suggest we start with people fleeing conflict zones, because in my view this is the most important and urgent reason for migration.
A: I agree.
B: The key point here is that migration is not really a choice but a necessity. People leave their countries because staying would put their lives at risk. A very clear example is the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which triggered the Ukrainian refugee crisis. Out of a population of around 37 million, approximately 6.5 million Ukrainians have fled abroad, while millions more are internally displaced. Currently, about one million Ukrainians are registered for temporary protection in Poland.
A: The war unleashed by Russia against Ukraine has become a major driver of the migration crisis in Europe. This crisis has particularly affected Poland, as a country bordering Ukraine, and is the largest migration movement in Europe since the Second World War. However, the flow of people leaving Ukraine did not stop in Poland; some refugees moved further towards Western Europe.
B: Yes, that’s true. In reality, Poland became one of the main host countries for Ukrainian refugees and also an important transit country. Some went on to other EU countries, especially Germany, while others went to the Czech Republic, Slovakia, the United Kingdom, Spain, Romania, and other countries where they hoped to find better opportunities. A number of them later returned to Ukraine to reunite with family members. Others changed their temporary protection status to student or employment visas in order to secure a more stable future in Poland.
A: I think most people would agree that helping people fleeing war is both a moral obligation and a legal responsibility under international law.
B: I fully agree. There’s no doubt that escaping from conflict areas is the most important reason, because it is directly linked to survival.
A: Absolutely. Now, moving on to working abroad, I would say that economic migration is probably the second most important reason why people leave their countries. Many people move abroad in search of better job opportunities and higher salaries. Working abroad is an opportunity to earn more money and support their households.
B: Yes, rising living costs, a shortage of job opportunities as well as the lack of prospects for owning a home, are pushing people to look for work abroad. Skilled manual workers such as welders, electricians, fitters, and plumbers, as well as nurses and elderly care workers, often decide to work abroad temporarily or permanently. Qualified professionals like doctors and architects increasingly choose to work in more distant countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, or Australia.
A: That’s right. Working abroad can significantly improve a person’s financial situation, and many migrants send money back to their families, which allows them to maintain a decent standard of living.
B: Now, when it comes to studying abroad as a reason for migration, I would say it is the least important reason in comparison to the other two.
A: I agree. Studying abroad is a choice rather than a necessity. It is often associated with personal development, learning a foreign language and gaining new experiences. However, it is usually temporary and does not necessarily mean settling abroad permanently.
B: That’s true. Moreover, studying abroad requires a certain level of financial stability and family support, although many universities abroad offer scholarships and exchange programmes, which makes studying more accessible.
A: I strongly agree. I think that the main reason for studying abroad is the desire to obtain a degree from a reputable foreign university, which is increasingly important on the job market. Such a degree is often seen as giving better career prospects.
B: Absolutely. However, unlike fleeing from conflict or searching for employment, studying abroad seems to be the least important reason for migration.
A: Exactly. So, escaping from conflict areas is the most important reason for migration, as it is driven by necessity and the need for safety. Working abroad comes next, as it is mainly motivated by better economic opportunities, while studying abroad is the least important as it is more of a personal choice than a necessity.
B: I completely agree with that conclusion.
Photo: Tower Bridge over the Thames