Alternative Patterns of South-North Student Mobility - A Study of Indian Degree Students in Finnish and German Universities

Abstract

This study explores South-North tertiary student mobility from India to the EU. Traditionally, the vast majority of Indian students who aspire to study overseas have chosen the US, or another English-speaking country, as their preferred study destination. At the same time, very few of these students have opted for other, mainly western, countries. In recent years, however, the number of Indian students in EU countries like Germany, and even Finland, has slowly increased. This study’s aim is to disclose the circumstances in which, as well as the reasons why some Indian students have chosen to pursue academic degrees in Finland or Germany. Thus, this study seeks to provide a broader picture of the phenomenon by addressing the following three research questions: 1. What are the reasons and expected benefits for Indian students in applying to Finnish and German degree programmes? 2. Are there differences between students in Finland and Germany: a) Are Finland and Germany equally attractive as study destinations b) Have the studies met students’ expectations? 3. What are the students’ plans after obtaining their degrees?

The theoretical framework of this study combines classical theories of migration and capital to more descriptive historical and statistical material. This is to ensure the reader a broad enough backdrop before proceeding to the empirical findings of the study. Even though the chosen methodological approach could be characterised as qualitative, basic quantifications and tabulations have also been used in analysis and presentation. The data has been collected using a web-questionnaire that consisted of 8 background questions and 12 open-ended questions. A total of 146 respondents, all Indian degree students in Finland or Germany, answered the questionnaire: 71 from 12 Finnish universities and 75 from 25 German universities.

The results of this study show that the most common reason to choose Finland or Germany as a study destination was the good cost/quality ratio their universities can offer. The expected benefits from studying in Finland and Germany can be summarised as “soft” and “hard”. Soft denotes benefits such as cultural knowledge and new friends, while hard benefits translate as internationally recognised diplomas and up-to-date field-specific knowledge. The students did not always consider Finland or Germany their primary study destinations, Germany being a first choice more often than Finland. Overall, the students were quite satisfied with their studies, but partial satisfaction was more common in Finland. The majority of students enjoyed living in Finland and Germany, and would also stay for some time given that they would find meaningful employment. Advantages of studying in Finland and Germany were mainly linked to quality of life, safety, social security, nature, stable society, and freedom.

Yet, a large part of the students saw their current host countries as places to gather experience and knowledge before moving to another, often English-speaking country, and eventually back to India.

Asiasanat:International Higher Education, South-North Mobility, Student Mobility, India