Exploring Services and Support for Credit-Mobile International Students

An increasing number of students are participating in international credit mobility and other short-term programs, and as a result, there is a growing demand for services to enhance their mobility experience. Yet with some exceptions (e.g., Almeida (2020)), there is a lack of literature exploring the services and support infrastructure demanded by credit-mobile students. Consequently, this research fills a critical gap by presenting the results of the first institutional survey as part of a European project, “Erasmus Careers”, examining inbound and outbound mobility services and support that institutions provide at the different stages of the international student lifecycle for credit-mobile students in a European context. The survey reached out to 80 institutions across Europe, yielding a robust response rate of 70%. The survey encompassed 25 questions, categorised into four sections: institutional particulars, services and support mechanisms, academic facilities, and teaching methodologies. Results show the broad spectrum of services and support that institutions extend to international credit-mobile students. Predominantly, the services offered relate to accommodation, language courses, and cultural engagement activities. Moreover, the survey indicates that institutions provide support at various stages of the experience of these international students, including pre-departure, arrival, and during their stay. Additionally, the survey reveals that both local and international students generally enjoy equal access and opportunities in most institutions when accessing university facilities or support services. However, the survey also highlights areas where institutions can enhance their services and support for credit-mobile students. Notably, there is room for improvement in providing support during the students’ stay, including academic support, as well as mental and physical health services. These research findings can serve as a guide for institutions seeking to improve their support structures for credit-mobile students and as a basis for policymakers to formulate policies that bolster student mobility across Europe.