COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF GLOBAL STUDENT MOBILITY ON THE EXAMPLE OF COMPETITIVE CHALLENGES FOR SOUTHEAST EUROPE

Abstract

International mobility of students has become one of the key aspects of globalization of higher education, with member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) occupying a dominant role as leading destinations for international students. This paper analyzes current trends in international student mobility in OECD countries, identifies the countries that attract the largest number of students, and examines the factors that contribute to their attractiveness, including the quality of education, financial conditions, immigration policies, and the labor market. A special focus is placed on the possibilities of Southeast European countries to attract a larger number of international students within the context of rising education costs in some developed countries and changes in global educational migration. Using a comparative analytical approach and a secondary data analysis, the paper examines the strengths and limitations of universities in the Southeast European region, as well as strategies that could improve their competitive position in relation to leading OECD destinations. The research conclusions indicate that universities in the region of Southeast Europe, with adequate reform policies, adjustment of academic programs and proactive internationalization strategies, can become increasingly significant participants in global academic mobility.