It is important to understand where you’ve come from to know where you are going. In a blog for University World News, Rahul Choudaha, director of research and advisory services at World Education Services suggests that two world events have had the most significant impact on international student mobility: 9/11 and the recession that started in 2008.

Rahul writes: “The influence of unpredictable events like 9/11 and the recession on student mobility is far-reaching and global. In addition, government policies related to visa requirements, specifically those concerning financial requirements and post-education work opportunities, will have a big influence on student mobility.”

The blog paints a picture of the factors that have influenced where international students chose to study but this is, of course, only one aspect of student mobility. Student mobility is also about giving students - irrespective of the country in which they are enrolled – an opportunity to enhance their HE experience by exploring a different country and culture over short stay or exchange programmes.

It was this reasoning that led to the creation of Erasmus, the European Union’s flagship student exchange programme, which since its introduction in 1987 has spread to include nine out of every 10 European HEIs, in 33 countries. David Docherty explains why schemes like Erasmus are important: “To develop the best global leaders it is crucial that educational institutions create the right environments and opportunities for young people to develop global competencies and a globally-tuned mindset. Higher education institutions should seek to provide a solid grounding for students, not only in the form of global business expertise but also by actively encouraging students to broaden their horizons.”

Source: the gaurdian