The International Student Mobility (ISM) of tertiary education constitutes a trend in the last two decades, with the number of students that go abroad steadily increasing.

The recent health crisis put a stop to that trend, with degree programs being moved online and international exchange programs being suspended. Many studies mentioned that in 2020, the virus affected significantly the ISM. Despite that, the same studies mentioned that the people maintained their interest for International Mobility.

Virtual mobility is now seen as a viable alternative to physical mobility, but studying abroad has some unmatched benefits. ISM offers to students the opportunity to develop essential business skills, like decision-making and problem solving, as well as transversal skills. Also, the exposure to foreign cultures helps students develop multicultural skills.

The pandemic will surely accelerate the development of on-line education, without this meaning that the demand for face-to-face higher education will decrease. Virtual mobility should be a mean for those who can’t move across borders, in order to make international experiences more accessible.

Covid-19 pandemic may have brought destructive consequences for people and the economy, but also provided us with unique opportunities, such as the opportunity to transform education.

Read more on: https://bized.aacsb.edu/articles/2020/june/covid-19-and-the-future-of-international-student-mobility