Lessons in Transnationality: Education-Related Mobility of Young People in Germany and Its Self-Reinforcing Effects

Abstract

The chapter deals with education-related mobility among young people (15-25 years of age) in Germany which has been continuously rising in numbers during the last decades. The term education includes formal and nonformal education as well as personal learning experiences. Following a general overview of recent developments, the chapter focuses on high school exchange as an example. Based on quantitative as well as qualitative data, the relevance of school exchange experiences in the life courses of former participants will be shown. In particular, their role in social transnationalization is analyzed. One important aspect is that for many former exchange students, further experience abroad is a constant option in life planning. The role of media usage for personal contact with the former host country is also discussed. Finally, the findings are applied to education mobility in general. For many young people in Germany (mainly the education-oriented middle class), this is a normal part of education. This can be understood as an effect of social class distinction, as has been argued in other recent publications on the topic. However, another perspective will be added: that of the self-reinforcing effects of mobility.