International Student Mobility in the Context of Migration and Development

The impact of international student mobility on the development in countries of origin is an under-researched topic in migration studies. In a global knowledge economy, immigration countries in the Global North perceive international students almost exclusively as ideal immigrants who are (mostly) young, flexible, and highly skilled when they enter the labour market after graduation. However, international students can play an important role for their countries of origin. For instance, our own research on international students and alumni from selected countries in the Global South (Colombia, Georgia, Ghana, and Indonesia) studying in Germany and the United States shows that they transfer development-related knowhow back to their country of origin by doing diverse activities in leading positions. They do that through return migration as well as by remaining in the country of graduation (by creating transnational social networks from abroad) and through circular mobility. However, these processes need more institutional support. Therefore, international student mobility should be an integral part of global migration governance, where scholarships for students from poor countries are the key drivers for international mobility. These considerations can stimulate the broader discussion about international migration and development.