A statistical profile of Iranian students in the United States: the motives behind their desire to stay in the US or return to Iran

 This article explains the main features of Iranian students in the US, and analyzes the motives behind their desire to stay in the US or return to Iran after completion of their studies. The author discusses both practical and· ideological factors that influence students'decision making. The correlation model was a powerful tool for investigating the matter. The results of the correlation technique indicate high to moderate degrees of associations between the desire to stay in the US and the following variables: personal freedom (rpb=0.74) 1, permanent residence in the US(rpb=0.70), suitable work conditions (rpb=0.68)1, acceptable political conditions (rpb =0.67), favourable opportunities for professional developments (rpb=0.66), convenient life style (rpb=0.65), suitable academic opportunities (rpb=0.62), high salary (rpb=0.61), and appropriate use of skills (rpb=9.59) , on the other hand, the desire to return to Iran could be highly to moderately attributed to the following factors: personal freedom (rpb=0.69), acceptable political conditions (rpb=0.67), racial discrimination against Iranians in the US (rpb=0.64), acceptable social life (rpb=0.63), passionate concern for family (rpb=0.51),, suitable work conditions (rpb=0.47), and religious beliefs (rpb=0.44). The above considerations have led the author to conclude that an improved research and development capacity, and a more comprehensive international communication mechanism are required to encourage the return of students to Iran. Furthermore, the article illustrates how government may attempt to modify the desire of students.