International Mobility and World Development
This research project examines the systemic impacts of international mobility, focusing on the movement of students, professionals, and youth. International mobility helps individuals acquire new skills and knowledge, broadens their intercultural and civic understanding, and develops their social connections. Studying abroad not only shapes how individuals view their professional futures but also influences their understanding of their broader societal roles, engaging them in diverse environments that encourage the absorption of new ideas and the expansion of perspectives. Mobility is more than just crossing borders—it is about rethinking and reshaping one’s view of the world.
The project seeks to understand how those with international mobility experience contribute to the development of participants’ home countries compared to those without such experience. Building on the past work of the Principal Investigator, this research highlights the transformative potential of time spent abroad, showing how it can equip individuals with the tools to drive societal change at home. The project combines statistical modelling with in-depth qualitative analysis to explore these dynamics.
A mixed-methods approach is central to this project, integrating macro-level modelling of student mobility flows and national development indicators dating back to the 1960s with a rich qualitative analysis. The qualitative component draws from a unique dataset of over 700 interviews with changemakers from 70 countries, offering a detailed exploration of how international mobility has shaped their formation and contributions to their societies. Particular attention is given to alumni of the Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs (ECA) programs under the US State Department, examining how their experiences abroad contribute to system-level changes in their home countries.
While international mobility holds great promise, it is not without its challenges. Environmental concerns, such as the increasing carbon footprint of international travel, must be balanced against the benefits of transnational interconnectedness. Additionally, unequal access to mobility opportunities—often limited to those from wealthier backgrounds or certain regions—has the potential to deepen existing inequalities. As mobility can promote both personal growth and societal advancement, it also raises questions about its role in contributing to social divides and environmental strain.
The research spans six global regions—Sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Eurasia, the Middle East and Northern Africa, South and Central Asia, and the Western Hemisphere—offering a broad geographic scope to assess the global impact of mobility on development. Through a theory-driven approach, this project uncovers the intricate connections between individual agency, structural conditions, and societal transformation. It reveals how internationally mobile individuals navigate and influence their home environments, often becoming agents for broader systemic change.
A growing trend of global insularity threatens international openness and cooperation. The rise of nationalist sentiments in some countries has led to a reconsideration of the value of international mobility. As the world appears to be becoming more inward-looking, the importance of cross-border exchanges in advancing sustainable development and ensuring transnational interconnectedness has become more evident. By exploring these broader trends, this research contributes to a critical understanding of how international mobility can remain a positive force in an increasingly fragmented world.
Publications
