Abstract

Economic income and quality of life are some of the causes that may force women to migrate, forcing them to leave their country and culture and influencing the development of their cultural identity due to the impact of education and the environment. This study examines how the educational process impacts on the labor and social trajectory of a young migrant woman. Through her personal account, educational experiences and their influence on social integration and employment opportunities in the destination country are explored, highlighting the relationships between education, cultural adaptation, and labor market insertion. The authors have used life history (an exploratory and interpretative approach), selecting the participant from a previous study in which they worked with eight migrant women, as it is a case that offers a unique perspective and can give a broader and deeper perspective of what the migration process entails for a young woman, approaching it in a thorough way. Connections between the socialization process and education are observed; however, regarding the educational impact on the labor trajectory, the authors highlight that, although the schooling period is significantly related to educational opportunities, the relationship between labor market participation and educational opportunities is minimal. Migration has a positive impact on the lives of women who migrate to countries that offer them better living conditions, freedom of expression, health care, and educational and employment opportunities. However, migrant women’s cultural identity is affected by the culture shock between family and school environments, influencing academic development and social interactions.