Barriers to International Student Mobility

Abstract

In this article, we look at the barriers to international student mobility, with particular reference to the European Erasmus program. Much is known about factors that support or limit student mobility, but very few studies have made comparisons between participants and nonparticipants. Making use of a large data set on Erasmus and non-Erasmus students in seven European countries, we look at the barriers for participation. Results reveal the overall impact of financial barriers but suggest that it is personal barriers that help us to better differentiate between Erasmus and non-Erasmus students. The analysis suggests a two-pronged approach to increase participation: one focusing on better information and communication and the other stressing the benefits of Erasmus mobility.

Destination cities of European exchange students

“…Since its initiation in 1987, more than three million students have studied in another European country within this framework (European Commission, 2014a). Today, more than 4000 institutions from over 30 countries participate, and its annual budget exceeds 450 million euro (Souto Otero, Huisman, Beerkens, De Wit, & Vujić, 2013). In sum, these impressive numbers indicate that international students now form an intrinsic part of the 'new European map of migration' (King, 2002).…”

Why students travel abroad (and so many others do not): Exploring predictors and decision-making processes in study-related student travel

“…The most frequently mentioned reason is funding. Losing time and prolonging their studies is another apprehension In addition, social reasons like a long separation from a partner, friends, or family are often noted (Heublein et al, 2008;Middendorf et al, 2017;Souto-Otero, Huisman, Beerkens, de Wit & Vujić, 2013;Woisch & Willige, 2015). Many students in Germany, as well as a number of other countries, cite the fact that academic achievements in foreign countries are not recognized by their home institutions.…”

“…Many students in Germany, as well as a number of other countries, cite the fact that academic achievements in foreign countries are not recognized by their home institutions. Further hurdles mentioned include lacking foreign language skills and a lack of information and support from the home institution (Woisch & Willige, 2015;Souto-Otero et al, 2013). Notably, students who wish to travel abroad perceive obstacles differently than those who do not wish to leave.…”

Explorando los contornos de una teoría de movilidad interna en la UE: un enfoque basado en la oportunidad de la ciudadanía europea y la necesidad de una «cultura europea de la movilidad»

“…12. See, among recent work and documents: Cairns (2010), European Commission (2010), Sigalas (2010), Wilson (2011), Teichler (2012, Powell and Finger (2013), Souto-Otero et al (2013), Raghuram (2013), Mitchell (2014. 13.…”