Lived Experiences of Pakistani Students Enrolled in Short-Term International Mobility Programs

Shadab Iqbal; Izzat Gul; Muhammad Zubair Ahmed

doi:10.32350/sri.11.03

Shadab Iqbal Minhaj University
Izzat Gul University of Sargodha, Pakistan
Muhammad Zubair Ahmed

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32350/sri.11.03

Keywords: challenges, exchange program, international students, short-term, social networks

Abstract

Abstract Views: 0

Short-term international mobility is popular among academicians seeking experiences abroad. This study explores the trend where individuals pursue international exposure and education through exchange programs. These programs impart valuable academic and sociocultural experiences, but also present challenges. Hence, the current study aims to explore motivations and challenges faced by international students participating in short-term programs. Qualitative research method was used to explore the socio-cultural impacts of international mobility programs. A purposive sample of 15 respondents was selected who had undergone international mobility. Data was collected through in-depth interviews of the 15 selected students. Responses to open-ended questions were recorded and transcribed and themes were constructed by using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). It was found that short-term international mobility programs are valuable and perspective changing experiences for the participants, despite being associated with multiple challenges. Such programs motivate individuals to engage in cross-border exposure while building fruitful professional networks, as well as fostering tolerance and respect for others’ perspectives, opinions, ideas, and belief system. The researchers recommend greater participation in these programs to enhance personal and professional development.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2017). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage Publications.

Csaszar, Z., Tarrosy, I., Dobos, G., Varjas, J., & Alpek, L. (2023). Changing geopolitics of higher education: economic effects of inbound international student mobility to Hungary. Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 47(2), 285–310. https://doi.org/10.1080/03098265.2022.2045572

Foster, M. (2016, October 17–18). Exploring the impact of international student mobility on cross-cultural learning adaptation (Paper presentation). Tunku Abdul Rahman University College International Conference 2016, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Jeptoo, M. L., & Razia, M. (2012). Internationalization of higher education: Rationale, collaborations and its implications. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 1(4), 365–372.

Jung, J. (2022). Short-Term international mobility among academics. In J. Kaur & N. Singh (Eds.), Academic mobility and international academics (pp. 165–180). Emerald Publishing Limited.

Knight, J. (2012). Student mobility and internationalization: Trends and tribulations. Research in Comparative and International Education, 7(1), 20–33. https://doi.org/10.2304/rcie.2012.7.1.20

Kyllonen, M. (2018). A new narrative for the future: Learning, social cohesion and redefining “us”. In Cook, J. W. (Eds.), Sustainability, human well-being, and the future of education (pp. 311–338). Springer International Publishing.

Marginson, S., & van der Wende, M. (2007). Globalisation and higher education (Working Paper No. 8). OECD Education. https://doi.org/10.1787/173831738240

Mitchell, D. E., & Nielsen, S. Y. (2012). Internationalization and globalization in higher education. In H. Cuadra-Montiel (Ed.), Globalization–Education and management agendas (pp. 3–22). Book on Demand.

Singh, J. K. N. (2022). An international early-career academic journey in Australia. In academic mobility and international academics: Challenges and opportunities (pp. 115–128). Emerald Publishing Limited.

OECD. (2023). International student mobility. https://doi.org/10.1787/4bcf6fc3-en

Ranney, M. L., Meisel, Z. F., Choo, E. K., Garro, A. C., Sasson, C., & Morrow Guthrie, K. (2015). Interview‐based qualitative research in emergency care part II: Data collection, analysis and results reporting. Academic Emergency Medicine, 22(9), 1103–1112. https://doi.org/10.1111/acem.12735

Roy, A., Newman, A., Ellenberger, T., & Pyman, A. (2019). Outcomes of international student mobility programs: A systematic review and agenda for future research. Studies in Higher Education, 44(9), 1630–1644. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2018.1458222

UNESCO. (2021). Global education monitoring report accountability in education –Meeting our commitments. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000380076

Volford, C. (2023). Advancing short-term student mobility: A resource for international education professionals [Master thesis, Queen’s University]. Queen’s University. https://hdl.handle.net/1974/32010

Wu, X., & Chan, W. K. (2019). Integrating international student mobility in the belt and road initiative: From state-dominated to state-steering? Higher Education Evaluation and Development, 13(1), 33–47. https://doi.org/10.1108/HEED-03-2019-0010

Zakaria, M., Janjua, S. Y., & Fida, B. A. (2016). Internationalization of higher education: Trends and policies in Pakistan. Bulletin of Education and Research, 38(1), 75–88.