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Labor Economics

Economics of Migration

Explore why people migrate, who they are and the economic impacts on the receiving economies.

10h (5 days)

€675 - €1,175

Face-to-face

English

Program date: June 30 - July 4, 2025

Application deadline: June 23, 2025

Learn more

Economics of Migration

Applications for 2025 Summer School programs are now open!

Summer school

Labor Economics

Economics of Migration

Course Overview

In the world, more than 220 million individuals live in a country different from that of birth. In developed countries, foreign born individuals represent 10.5% of the population. This important factor reallocation is the result of decades of increasing globalization of labor markets. Why people migrate, who migrates where, and what are the economic impacts for the receiving economy, are important questions that have motivated a huge body of research in Economics.

The main objective of this course is to explore the different answers provided in the literature to these questions. We will start focusing on migration decisions. Understanding the motivations to migrate is important to analyze who migrates to each location. Hence, we will explore the theoretical grounds for this type of decision starting from the Roy model, and its seminal implementation in the migration context by Borjas (1987), and then we will review some empirical literature. From a very different angle, recent work in the last few years has estimated structural models of internal migration (Gould, 2007; Kennan and Walker, 2011; Buchinsky et al, 2014 among others). Internal migration decisions have specific idiosyncrasies that make their analysis worthy in a separate way. We will devote important emphasis on migration costs, available information, and the effect of internal migration in shaping local labor markets.

The second part of the course will focus on labor market impacts of immigration. First, we will explore the literature that has analyzed the impact of immigration across local labor markets. Later, we will review the literature that studies labor market impacts of immigration at the national level. All these approaches are well detailed in Borjas (2014). Two important difficulties to overcome in both cases are endogeneity of immigrant inflows and adjustments by natives, previous immigrants, and/or prospective migrants. Finally, we will study the assimilation process of immigrants in the labor market.

Faculty

This course uses economic analysis of human migration and its influences

The course is of interest for:

PhD and Master’s students in Economics (or other social sciences)
Researchers and professionals from public institutions and policy-oriented institutions
Holders of undergraduate degrees in Economics (or other social sciences)

Understand what influences people to migrate and how this affects different countries' economies

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

Analyze why individuals migrate and the factors influencing their decisions
Understand theoretical models of migration, including the Roy model and its applications
Investigate the effects of immigration on labor markets at both local and national levels
Analyze how native workers, previous immigrants, and prospective migrants adjust to immigration inflows
Develop skills to critically assess research methodologies and findings in migration economics

Program Syllabus for Economics of Migration

Here is an outline of the topics that will be discussed during the course.

Part I: Migration Decisions

International migration decisions
- Migration Decisions
- Immigration Selection: The Roy Model
- Empirical Evidence
Structural estimation of models of internal migration

Part II: Economic consequences of immigration

Wage effects of immigration
- Effects on local labor markets
- National level approaches
Assimilation of immigrants

Presentation Skills Workshops

Labor Economics Summer School includes a daily Presentation Skills Workshop (lunch provided).

This workshop teaches academic presentation techniques and offers a call for papers.

Submit your paper to summerschool@bse.eu by May 30 with “Labor presentation skills workshop” in the subject line.

A certificate will be awarded to those who present a paper.

List of References

Participants may wish to read the following book before the start of the course.

Books

Borjas, George J., Immigration Economics, Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 2014.
Other references and surveys are available on request

Why join our Summer School?

All BSE Summer courses are taught to the same high standard as our Master’s programs. Join us to:

1

Network with like-minded peers

2

Study in vibrant Barcelona

3

Learn from world-renowned faculty

Admissions and Requirements

Please make sure you are eligible to apply before submitting your application.

Program date: June 30 - July 4, 2025

Application deadline: June 23, 2025

Requirements

A strong background in Economics or a field closely related to the course topic (Statistics, Law, etc.)
Postgraduate degree or current Master’s/PhD studies related to the course topic
Relevant professional experience

Admissions Requirements for Economics of Migration

Undergraduate degree in Economics or Social Sciences

Schedule

Here is your schedule for this edition of BSE Labor Economics Summer School, Economics of Migration course.

Time

30

mon

1

tue

2

wed

3

thu

4

fri

15:00 - 17:00

Lecture

13:45 - 14:45

Presentation Workshop (Lunch included)

Credit Transfers (ECTS)

To be eligible for credit transfer, students must complete a final project.

Students will deliver a short summary of a paper one week after the summer school finishes. It will consist of a critical summary of a published paper, around 3-4 pages, 1.5 spaced, font size 11. The critical summary will need to follow these guidelines: expose what are the main ideas of the paper, how they are addressed, strengths and weaknesses of the paper, methodological approach, theoretical or empirical background, and suggestions for improvements).

Consult the Summer School Admissions page for more information about this option.

Certificate of Attendance

Participants who attend more than 80% of the course will receive a Certificate of Attendance, free of charge.

Fees

Multiple course discounts are available, see more information about available discounts. Fees for courses in other Summer School programs may vary.

Course

Wage Determination

Gender Economics

Economics of Migration

Modality

Face-to-face

Total Hours

10

ECTS

1

Regular Fee

1,175€

Reduced Fee*

675€

* Reduced Fee applies for PhD or Master’s students, Alumni of BSE Master’s programs, and participants who are unemployed.

FAQ

Still have questions? Check out our FAQ section.

Can I see the full Summer School calendar?

You can view the full Summer School calendar here.

Is accommodation included in the course fee?

Unfortunately, accommodation is not included in the course fee. Participants are responsible for finding accommodation.

Are the sessions recorded?

Sessions will NOT be recorded; However, the materials provided by the professor will be available for a month after the course has finished.

How much does each Summer School course cost?

Fees for each course may vary. Please consult each course page for accurate information.

Are there any discounts available?

Yes, BSE offers a variety of discounts on its Summer School courses. See more information about available discounts or request a personalized discount quote by email.