Internal Migration and International Migration
The above photo was taken in one of my friends rooms in Madison Hall. Nathan (left) and Garrett (right) became friends of mine at the very beginning of the year when we met on the New Student Getaway through the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. They’re both American but came from very different parts of the world to study here at GW. I’m going to explain how these roommates are examples of two different types of migration (internal and international). Nathan is an example of Internal Migration (movement within country boundaries). Nathan is from my hometown, Pittsburgh, although I did not know him before we met at GW. Nathan coming here to D.C. for the purpose of education is an example of Internal Migration because he moved within his country's boundaries to continue education after high school. Although this is not one of the terms I intended on focusing on, this is also an example of institutional migration since Nathan’s purpose of coming to D.C. was to attend a university. This goes for Garrett as well.Â
Garret on the other hand, spent his previous four years of high school in Beijing China due to his family's work. In doing so he picked up on Mandarin and some unique pieces of Chinese culture. Garrett’s move to GW is an example of International Migration (movement across country boundaries). This is because Garrett moved to the states from another country. His move to China in the first place is an example of International Migration as well. I think it’s unique that two of my friends that I spend a fair amount of time with are both in ROTC, room together, have a lot of the same interests but come from two different parts of the world.Â
