What development lessons can be learned from Chinese mobilities? Trends in Argentinean students’ mobility to China

Abstract

The Chinese experience offers valuable lessons for other emerging countries, particularly in leveraging international student mobility for development. The return from overseas students in China has significantly contributed to the country´s growth, presenting a Global South alternative to the dominant, Global North-driven model of internationalisation. This study explores the differentiated impacts of higher education internationalisation on the Global North and the Global South, emphasizing how international mobility and overseas knowledge acquisition can foster development. Using a qualitative approach, including documentary analysis and an interview with a former Argentinean Minister of Science and Technology, we examine the mobility of Argentinean students to China through unilateral and bilateral scholarships (2009-2023) and the RAICES repatriation program (2008-2023). Our goal is to draw lessons from China´s experience and the role of its returnees, focusing on the dynamics of South-South student mobility. Our findings indicate that Argentinean students in China predominantly pursue studies in social sciences and language, fields with narrow contributions to development and the knowledge-based economy, such as engineering, science and technology. Conversely, the RAICES program has prioritised repatriating professionals in fields like natural sciences, health, and biology, mainly from the Global North countries. The limited developmental contribution of Argentinean student mobility to China underscores the need for a more strategic approach to fostering South-South internationalisation that aligns with national development goals.