Research on academic mobility in higher school

Abstract

Higher education institutions in Ukraine recognize the economic and educational benefits of academic mobility for students and teachers. However, only 2% of foreign students participate in academic mobility program in Ukraine, while 87% of foreign students have chosen Ukrainian universities as the basic educational institution. That is why it is of vital importance to examine the phenomenon of academic mobility and develop recommendations on increasing the level of academic mobility of students and teachers. This study provides insights into the main characteristics of the academic mobility of students and teaching staff. The hypothesis regarding increasing student and teacher mobility in Ukrainian universities is confirmed through a set of tasks. It examines how different factors (push factors) affect academic mobility. Looking in particular at the state of internationalization of higher education in Ukraine the study develops recommendations for increasing the rate of students and academic staff participation in international programs. Literature review involved searching literature on academic mobility, evaluating sources, identifying debates and gaps in the research problem. A comparative historical approach is used to examine major historical transformations in the history of academic mobility. To examine academic mobility as a unity of forms, types, procedures, requirements, motivation factors and results the holistic approach is implemented in the paper. The content, types, forms and procedure of academic mobility, credit transfer system in Ukraine are regulated by Law on Higher Education and are developed to enable the students and academic staff from different countries to participate in academic mobility programs. The findings suggest that to increase the level of internal academic mobility the students and academic staff should be regularly informed about new exchange programs, extra-curriculum activities focused on writing a motivation letter, CV and filling the application forms in. To help Ukrainian students and scholars to participate in the academic mobility programme English language courses should be organized.