International student mobility is the most complex transformational learning experience, which governments and various institutions can grant. Research has shown that international student mobility can lead to better international relations, intercultural understanding, improved academic environment and increase employment. The framework of international learning mobility doesn’t mean just the internationalization of study of each student but also the internationalisation of institutions in educational system. Benefits of internationalisation bring economic benefits and social power to local areas. The largest, most developed and economically most significant aspect of international student mobility involves students seeking full degrees in foreign countries. According to OECD information, the Slovak Republic has strong educational system. Secondary education of adults is highest in the OECD area. On other hand, by the same source, comparing to 10% in 2010, there were 17% of Slovak students studying abroad at the tertiary educational level in 2016. In this context, it is one of the highest mobilities within Europe. Consequently, we can expect that such mobilities logically and significantly affects formation of current Slovak society as well as have important impact to its future and bring new challenges for Slovakia. One of the possible challenges, reflecting the effort of understanding of this phenomena in Slovakia, is the research. The first research of the Institute of Sociology of SAS in this field, called Brain Drain 2014, examined selected mobility factors of university students from Slovakia studied abroad. The aim of the current follow-up research is to extend our knowledge to the research of study agencies operating in Slovakia and offering possibility of University degree mobility. The Brain Drain 2014 survey received data on 200 graduates from their parents. Based on the results of this research, it was found out that especially children of university-educated parents and graduates of grammar schools are those who choose study abroad. There were also identified different characteristics of parents of Slovakian students studying in neighboring countries (CZ, HU and AT) and students studying in Western Europe and the USA. Students studying farther came significantly more often from families with both parents with university degree. The follow-up research, in addition to the questionnaire research, will analyze semi-structured interviews with study applicants, students, graduates and representatives from study agencies.
Slovensko – vš štúdium v zahraničí
