In essence, this essay explored the subject of international students’ mobility with focus on how students' recruitment can be effectively managed.
Studying abroad is an important life’s decision that involves moving from one’s home country to a foreign community for educational purposes. However, when associated with classic theories of international migrations, there appear to be a myriad of factors that could pre-dispose or influence a potential migrant – in the context of this essay – an international student from West Africa. Such factors have now been widely aligned with the decision to study abroad; the question of what country to select? which higher education institution to apply for?
It has become highly necessary for governments and stakeholders in the education sector to consider more research into identifying various students' choices in relation to diverse nuances (such as political, economic, socio-cultural factors) within their home countries. This will in turn aid in market segmentation amongst various other international strategic marketing tools employed by higher education institutions in the top study destinations.
Table of Contents
1. International Migration and Students’ Recruitment Process
2. Motivation for Overseas Education
3. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This essay explores the interconnections between international education and migration, specifically focusing on the motivations of West African students to study abroad. By evaluating traditional migration models and contemporary recruitment strategies, the work aims to understand the complex decision-making processes that lead students to seek higher education in foreign countries.
- Analysis of traditional migration theories, such as the push-pull model and the theory of planned behavior.
- Examination of the "flow of knowledge resources" and its impact on globalization and education.
- Evaluation of specific socio-economic and political drivers for migration in West Africa.
- Investigation into the effectiveness of recruitment management for international higher education institutions.
- Discussion of the bi-directional benefits of international student mobility for both home and host nations.
Excerpt from the Book
International Migration and Students’ Recruitment Process
With respect to the subject of why student-migrants prefer certain study destinations; findings from several scholarly works have addressed the motivations for international student mobility under several models including (but not limited to): 1) econometric, sociological and combined models, 2) three-phase model of a higher education institution (HEI) choice, 3) “push-pull” model, 4) international student decision-making process, 5) theory of planned behaviour as reported by Marjanović and Pavlović (2018).
Briefly, the econometric and sociological models collectively expound on ISM such that it explored the selection process by looking at the inter-relatedness of factors and how these factors influence the desire to pursue a higher education abroad (Hossler et al., 1989).
Second, the three-phase model of HEI choice, which is a modified version of works by Litten (1982) and Jackson (1982) explored the choice of the HEI starting from accessibility to information on available higher education options; followed by the influence of personal and organization factors; leading to a final decision on a choice study destination (Hossler and Gallagher, 1987).
Summary of Chapters
International Migration and Students’ Recruitment Process: This chapter reviews various theoretical models, such as the push-pull theory and the theory of planned behavior, to explain the factors influencing international student mobility and their decision-making process regarding higher education institutions.
Motivation for Overseas Education: This section investigates the specific drivers for West African students seeking education abroad, highlighting how economic conditions, colonial history, and personal aspirations intersect with the need for knowledge acquisition.
Conclusion: The chapter summarizes the necessity for stakeholders in the education sector to better understand the nuances of student choices to improve recruitment strategies and effectively manage international student flows.
Keywords
International student mobility, migration, West Africa, push-pull model, higher education, recruitment, student choice, knowledge-based economy, globalization, study abroad, academic migration, socio-economic factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this work?
The work focuses on the intersection of international education and migration, specifically examining why students from West Africa are motivated to pursue studies at foreign higher education institutions.
What are the primary themes discussed?
The central themes include the application of migration theories to student mobility, the impact of globalization on the flow of knowledge, and the factors that influence students' selection of specific host countries.
What is the research objective of this paper?
The primary objective is to analyze the interconnectedness between the desire to study abroad and the desire to migrate, with an aim to provide insights for more effective student recruitment management.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The paper utilizes a literature review approach, synthesizing existing academic research, historical data, and migration theories to evaluate the determinants of student mobility.
What topics are covered in the main section?
The main sections discuss traditional migration models like the push-pull theory, the influence of political and economic factors on West African students, and the institutional strategies used to attract international talent.
Which keywords best describe this study?
Key terms include international student mobility, push-pull model, West Africa, higher education recruitment, and knowledge-based economy.
How does the author characterize the "push-pull" model in the context of student migration?
The author describes it as a composite of economic, social, and status-based factors where intrinsic home-country issues (push) trigger the desire to leave, while host-country features (pull) dictate the selection of the destination.
What role does social media play in the journey of West African students according to the cited studies?
According to research by Kirwin & Anderson (2018) referenced in the text, social media tools like Facebook and WhatsApp serve as critical information channels that guide students throughout their migration journey.
What conclusion does the author reach regarding economic motivations?
The author concludes that while economic factors are significant, they are not the sole drivers; non-economic factors such as political stability, trust in local institutions, and the quality of democracy also play a crucial role in the decision to migrate.
Why is the recruitment of international students considered beneficial for host nations?
It is viewed as beneficial because it provides revenue for higher education institutions, enriches local student life, fosters bi-directional cultural integration, and contributes to the development of a highly skilled workforce.
- Quote paper
- Akinmayowa Adedoyin Shobo (Author), 2021, Interconnections between International Education and Migration among West African Students, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/992712
