While a number of single-country studies have been done to explore whether or not there is a “critical
age” at which the arrival in a new country becomes a steep disadvantage to the immigrant student, this
study aims to determine whether the steepness of the age-at-arrival/test score profile varies across origin or
destination countries. As expected, the later the arrival, the greater the penalty. However results vary
according to several factors, including language differences and whether the country of origin had higher
or lower educational standards. Evidence shows the importance of helping young migrants with language
difficulties, as well as with the subsequent adverse effects of these difficulties.
