1243 | 833 | International student mobility, internationalisation and student experiences: the case of Latvia | Elina Apsite Berina, Eero Loonurm, Liga Daniela Robate
The Baltic nations have grown economically and socially in the previous two decades, increasing the number of international students seeking higher education. Mobile students enrolled at HEI have increased in the last twenty years. In the case of Latvian institutions, the number has nearly tripled, accounting for over 13% of all students. Mobile students are also on the rise in Lithuania and Estonia, accounting for around 6% of all students in Lithuania and 12% in Estonia.
This study aims to investigate the existing experience of mobile students in Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania and their future goals, as well as to analyse the mobility tendencies of international students for studies in the Baltics.
This study employs a mixed-method approach that combines statistical data analysis with an in-depth investigation of knowledge co-creation workshops for the Latvian case study. At the end of 2022, a co-creation seminar titled “Is Latvia welcoming to international students?” brought together policymakers, institutional representatives, scientists, and international students. Thematically, the session focused on destination choice, formalities before and during the Latvia stay, social and cultural interaction, and future goals.
The findings indicate that Baltic countries are recognised ISM destinations. However, it is often not their first choice. Higher education institutions representing the region or separate national states are promoted at various international educational export events and active digital marketing, including the studyinlatvia.lv, studyinestonia.ee and studyin.lt websites are maintained to attract students in the Baltic States.
Elina Apsite Berina, Eero Loonurm, Liga Daniela Robate
University of Latvia
ID Abstract: 833