POLITICAL FACTORS AND STUDENT AGENCY IN THE MOBILITY PROCESS: A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF INTERNATIONAL PHD STUDENTS’ EXPERIENCES

Abstract

This study explores the impact of political factors on international student mobility, specifically on the mobility of international PhD students from Turkey studying in the UK. The article utilizes the structuration theory and capability approach to understand how political factors can either enhance or inhibit a student's capabilities to become mobile. The study examines the factors shaping mobility decisions at different levels to explain the process of human mobility. The study concludes that an appealing political environment is necessary to retain highly educated individuals and that political factors play a crucial role, particularly for those coming from countries experiencing political tension and conflict.