Existing literature has highlighted the phenomenon of academic migrants leaving Italy for the United States with the hope of finding institutions that offer more opportunities for growth and recognition based on merit, as opposed to corruption, nepotism, and excessive bureaucracy. Thanks to NIAF (National Italian American Foundation) and IDI (International Diplomatic Institute) for the ample support given to this research throughout different stages.

The online questionnaire posted on Qualtrics was distributed among Italian academic migrants via mailing lists of various associations and organizations, such as the National Italian American Foundation, and through official diplomatic channels thanks to the assistance of the Italian Diplomatic Institute (Istituto Diplomatico Italiano).