Regional Seminar on International Mobility of Students
Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
22-24 March 2011
In 2009, UNESCO Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau for Education established the Education Research Institutes Network (ERI-Net) to encourage and facilitate regional cooperation in conducting analytical and rigorous research on topical education issues that are of particular relevance to the Asia-Pacific region. The findings from the studies will provide a powerful knowledge base to assist governments in formulating appropriate and sound policies and practices on education leading to positive long-term impact and achievements.
The ERI-Net examined the impact of the global economic and financial crisis on higher education in 2009 as its first task. This was followed by a study on the international mobility of students in 2010. The mobility of students across borders is a topic of great concern to all governments since it covers the flow of students in and out of their countries. The issues extend beyond education to include economic, cultural and social implications as well.
Within a broad framework for a situational analysis and complemented by an in-depth examination of specific institutions in participating countries when possible, the studies gathered information on definition of international students; policies to attract international students; statistics on student flows; budgets and revenues, motivation and incentives; programmes and courses; quality assurance and recognition of degrees; intercultural issues; migration and immigration policies; problems such as brain drain, non-bona fide students, language barriers, support services and so on. The preliminary research results were expected to be completed in early 2011.
Regional Seminar
UNESCO Bangkok organized a regional seminar to share the research results. At the same time, the seminar allowed ERI-Net members to develop the research frameworks for two new topics: (a) Public-Private Partnerships in Higher Education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and (b) the Question of Youth Employment: Innovative Approaches to Human Resource Development.
More specifically, the objectives of the seminar were to:
- Present the findings of the research studies;
- Seek responses to the findings from policy makers, researchers and stakeholders on how to address the issues;
- Discuss the implications of these studies for policy, planning and management of higher education in the respective countries;
- Develop research frameworks for two new topics;
- Outline follow-up actions; and
- Expand ERI-Net.
The expected outcomes of the seminar were:
- Research studies on the international mobility of students presented;
- Recommendation based on the results of the research studies shared with policy makers;
- Research frameworks for two new topics developed and researchers identified for each topic;
- Potential action plans and follow-up activities identified;
- Publications of papers presented; and
- ERI-Net expanded.
Participants included:
- Higher education institution administrators, academicians and researchers
- Policy makers and government officials
- Representatives from international organizations and educational institutions
Programme (pdf, 200kb)
Research Studies