THE INTERPLAY OF MACRO AND MICRO FACTORS IN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT MOBILITY: THE ROLE OF POLITICS

Abstract

International student mobility is a complex issue that has social, cultural, and political implications. This study explores the impact of political factors on the mobility of international PhD students from Turkey studying in the UK. The paper utilizes structuration theory and capability approach to understand how political factors enhance or inhibit students’ capabilities to become mobile. Political factors at both macro and micro levels including political discrimination, restrictions, freedom, UK migration policies, and socio-cultural norms and policies are examined. A qualitative approach was adopted, and semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 40 social science and science PhD students from 17 universities in the UK. The study finds that an appealing political environment is necessary to retain highly educated individuals, and political factors play a salient role, especially for those coming from countries experiencing political tension and conflict. International students continue to practice agency, negotiating constraining factors such as visa restrictions and funding, so as not to return home against their wishes