Trends in the international academic migration: A case of Spain

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this paper is to analyse how undergraduate students’ mobility has changed after the last economics recession. Research Design & Methods: The study takes into account the latest data with respect to public and private Universities that are subject of Spanish higher education system, comparing it at international level in order to find the problems and challenges of recent post-recession years. Findings: The results showed significant imbalances in mobile students’ trends by home and host region, especially after a deep restructuration of the Spanish higher education system in response to the last crisis. In particular there are substantial differences in tuition fees, scholarships, number of teachers and their skills according to the region and type of university. Consequently, international inflows and international study programs and agreements became very important for academics institutions, students and scholars. Implications & Recommendations: Given the growing number of students who study abroad, after the economic collapse of 2008, there is an opportunity among higher income host countries for enhanced recruitment opportunities of highly skilled workers. Therefore, adaptation of the academic offer to the language, needs and diversity of mobile students, can further increase their number. Also, increasing the number of highly skilled teachers can further attract mobile students, while improving the quality of higher education system. Contribution & Value Added: This research provides valuable information to understand current problems, challenges, changes and opportunities concerning higher education mobility, as shown in the analysis of the case of Spain and through international comparisons.