Mobility
The nature of cross-border mobility is changing. We are witnessing a wide variety of types of mobility, each with its own dynamics. The patterns of mobility flows and the underlying causes are the issues treated in this dossier.
Cross-border mobility is seen as an important indicator for internationalization, and being immersed in new cultures and exposed to new educational approaches can be seen as the most intensive type of internationalization for most students.
Cross-border mobility has various forms and occurs for different reasons. Students may travel abroad to pursue a full degree at a university in another country. They cross borders to seek quality higher education and an international experience. They cross borders to find specific specialized programmes or facilities. In Europe, and increasingly also in other parts of the world, students also travel abroad to do part of their programme at another institution. These exchanges and other study abroad experiences are often motivated by the view that international and intercultural competencies are characteristics necessary for 21st-century graduates to function in a global labour market.
With the growth of cross-border mobility worldwide, we are also seeing a greater range of rationales for students, teachers and researchers to go abroad. Are they looking for higher quality, cultural enrichment, niche programmes or first-class facilities and infrastructure? Or are they looking for future immigration opportunities? Are rationales similar for degree-seeking students as for exchange students? Do bachelor’s students seek different experiences than PhD students? Are there differences between disciplines? These questions on mobility rationales and mobility patterns take centre stage in this dossier.
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Student mobility to the Netherlands, compared with other EU countries
