INTERNATIONALIZATION OF EDUCATION: INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS AS A TOOL FOR STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC MOBILITY

Abstract

On the basis of materials of a sociological study, the authors consider international scholarship programs as a tool for academic mobility. Students’ academic mobility is a factor and condition for the internationalization of higher education and the development of modern universities. Based on a questionnaire survey of undergraduate students (n=250), interviews with postgraduates (master degree) (n=12), as well as interviews with MOFCOM Scholarship program fellows (n=3), the article states that students are ready to join international academic mobility programs and compete for international scholarships to study primarily in European countries, the USA, and China. At the same time, students are interested in scholarships implemented at the state level and at the level of specific universities. A factor for choosing a scholarship program is, first of all, the scholarship amount which should cover, along with tuition, transport costs, accommodation, food, and cultural activities. Studying in a foreign university allows students to improve their foreign language and serves as a factor in strengthening their position of a future specialist in the labour market.