Међународне студентске миграције и идентитети

Међународне студентске миграције и идентитети
International student migration and identities

Contributor(s): Vesna M. Lukić (Editor), Vladan D. Vidicki (Editor)
Subject(s): Education, Sociology, Higher Education , Migration Studies, Asylum, Refugees, Migration as Policy-fields
Published by: Институт друштвених наука
Keywords: international student migration; identity reconstruction; intercultural adaptation; higher education internationalization; transnationalism; Serbia; policy development
Summary/Abstract: The papers in this thematic collection are based on data from theoretically based empirical research on the connection between international student migration and identity, conducted within the project “International student migration in the Serbian context and (re)construction of identity: Main issues and inputs for policy making” – IS-MIGaIN, funded by the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia and led by the Institute of Social Sciences. The aim was to shed light from multiple perspectives on how the experience of international migration influences the (re)shaping of various aspects of identity among students, both those from Serbia and students from abroad in Serbia. The interdisciplinary approach was also reflected in the heterogeneous scientific profiles of the authors, who belong to different scientific disciplines and institutions.

Print-ISBN-13: 978-86-7093-282-1
Page Count: 295
Publication Year: 2025
Language: Serbian

МЕТОДОЛОШКЕ КАРАКТЕРИСТИКЕ ИСТРАЖИВАЊА

МЕТОДОЛОШКЕ КАРАКТЕРИСТИКЕ ИСТРАЖИВАЊА
(METHODOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RESEARCH)

Author(s):Snežana S. Stojšin
Language:Serbian
Subject(s):Sociology, Methodology and research technology, Migration Studies
Page Range:19-39
No. of Pages:22
Keywords:international academic migration; focus groups; online survey; qualitative interview; sample; identities
Summary/Abstract:The paper presents the methodology of the research of international student migration, i.e. of the (re)construction of their identities. The phases of the research are described, as well as methodological obstacles that we have encountered in working on this project, together with the manners in which we have overcome these obstacles. The foundation of the paper consists of an analysis of the characteristics of the utilised methods, and of the sample to which they have been applied. During the data collection phase, three research methods were implemented. The initial framework for the research, more precise definitions of the basic terms and their dimensions have been based on the results of focus-group interviews. Quantification of the results was made possible after the application of an online survey in which the basic terms, such as identity change and characteristics of international student migration, were more precisely operationalized. The final method used in the collection of the data to elucidate the aspects of international migration of students insufficiently researched through using the first two methods, was qualitative interview. With implementing qualitative interview and using an interview guide, the process of data collection was rounded up. During the data collection, the sample was divided into four groups of respondents, i.e. the students who had had an experience of international studying longer than a year. The first group consisted of Serbian students studying abroad, the second included Serbian students who had studied abroad but returned to Serbia or left for another country. Foreign students were also divided in two groups: those currently studying in Serbia, and those who had studied in Serbia, but returned to their country of origin after the studies.

УТИЦАЈ ФАКТОРА ПРИТИСКА И ПРИВЛАЧЕЊА НА ОДАБИР ДЕСТИНАЦИЈЕ МЕЂУНАРОДНИХ СТУДЕНАТА: КОНТЕКСТ СРБИЈЕ

УТИЦАЈ ФАКТОРА ПРИТИСКА И ПРИВЛАЧЕЊА НА ОДАБИР ДЕСТИНАЦИЈЕ МЕЂУНАРОДНИХ СТУДЕНАТА: КОНТЕКСТ СРБИЈЕ
(THE ROLE OF PUSH AND PULL FACTORS IN THE SELECTION OF DESTINATION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: SERBIAN CONTEXT)

Author(s):Nena A. Vasojević
Language:Serbian
Subject(s):Education, Higher Education , Migration Studies
Page Range:40-59
No. of Pages:20
Keywords:host country; international students; academic migration; push-pull factors; Serbia
Summary/Abstract:Many countries, especially small and less developed countries in the world, are increasingly looking for new models that would help them attract young highly educated professionals to study at higher education institutions within their borders, thereby influencing a better position in the global market. Relying on the theory of push-pull factors, this research examines the motives for studying in the host country, as well as the intention of international students to stay or leave the host country after completing their studies. The paper uses a mixed methods approach to analyze data collected through all three phases of the research with students from Serbia who are studying or have studied abroad and foreign students who are studying or have studied in Serbia.

КОМПОНЕНТЕ НАЦИОНАЛНОГ ИДЕНТИТЕТА МЕЂУНАРОДНИХ СТУДЕНАТА У СРБИЈИ

КОМПОНЕНТЕ НАЦИОНАЛНОГ ИДЕНТИТЕТА МЕЂУНАРОДНИХ СТУДЕНАТА У СРБИЈИ
(NATIONAL IDENTITY COMPONENTS IN FOREIGN STUDENTS STUDYING IN SERBIA)

Author(s):Milica Z. Vesković Anđelković
Language:Serbian
Subject(s):Sociology, Politics and Identity, Identity of Collectives
Page Range:60-93
No. of Pages:34
Keywords:national identity; ethnic type; civic type; loyalty test
Summary/Abstract:This paper approaches identity as a variable category, subject to continuous reshaping under the influence of various contexts in which an individual finds themselves. The ongoing building of identity is particularly characteristic of migrant populations, who face challenges arising from differing social environments. The adopted perspective is that, during this reconstruction process, a core foundation of identity – established during primary socialisation, remains intact despite the interaction of individual predispositions and the social environment. Within this foundation, national identity is identified as a form of collective identity, which is the focal point of the analysis in this chapter. The analysis itself relies on the empirical data collected through a survey. The central point for data processing and interpretation is the notion that national identity consists of components embedded in two distinct types of this phenomenon: ethnic and civic. The objective of the study is to explore the extent to which international students align with these components, whether they are more inclined towards an ethnic or civic conception of national identity, and whether socio-demographic characteristics and contextual factors influence their perspectives. Additionally, an emotional component of national identity is included, which is reflected in students’ support for national teams as well as their approaches to portraying their home countries to the foreigners they interact with. A positive attitude towards their country of origin, indicative of the students’ identification with it, implies the need for the development of encouraging state policies aimed at harnessing their potential for the advancement of society.

МЕЂУНАРОДНИ СТУДЕНТИ ИЗМЕЂУ ДВА ТРЖИШТА РАДА: ПРОФЕСИОНАЛНИ ИДЕНТИТЕТ, УСЛОВИ РАДА И ПЛАНИРАЊЕ КАРИЈЕРЕ

МЕЂУНАРОДНИ СТУДЕНТИ ИЗМЕЂУ ДВА ТРЖИШТА РАДА: ПРОФЕСИОНАЛНИ ИДЕНТИТЕТ, УСЛОВИ РАДА И ПЛАНИРАЊЕ КАРИЈЕРЕ
(INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS BETWEEN TWO LABOR MARKETS: PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY, WORKING CONDITIONS AND CAREER PLANNING)

Author(s):Vladan D. Vidicki
Language:Serbian
Subject(s):Economy, Higher Education , Migration Studies
Page Range:94-110
No. of Pages:17
Keywords:professional identity; international students; labor market; working conditions; career planning
Summary/Abstract:Market-orientation of universities and implementation of the concept of work-integrated learning have led to increased participation of the meso-level economic actors in the functioning of higher education. Companies, small and mid-size enterprises become partners of scientific-research organisations, primarily in implementing work practice for students, and also in securing specific additional jobs and long-term professional engagements after the studies. For international students, such circumstances in a great number of cases lead to contacts with actors coming from more than one labour market. Such a situation may result in acquiring specific dual work experience for these students, and accordingly, spark comparison and consideration of the conditions for and position of their own profession in different work environments. The topic of this paper are these very work experiences by international students abroad and effects of such experiences on their professional identity, perception of work conditions and planning of their career after finishing their studies. The presented findings have been based on the integrated quantitative and qualitative results acquired by means of focus group interviews, surveys and in-depth qualitative interviews with foreign students in Serbia, Serbian students studying abroad and student returnees from both these categories.

ПРОМЕНА ПРОСТОРНОГ ИДЕНТИТЕТА КРОЗ МЕЂУНАРОДНЕ СТУДЕНТСКЕ МИГРАЦИЈЕ

ПРОМЕНА ПРОСТОРНОГ ИДЕНТИТЕТА КРОЗ МЕЂУНАРОДНЕ СТУДЕНТСКЕ МИГРАЦИЈЕ
(CHANGE OF SPATIAL IDENTITY THROUGH INTERNATIONAL STUDENT MIGRATION)

Author(s):Jasna J. Petrić
Language:Serbian
Subject(s):Education, Sociology, Higher Education , Migration Studies
Page Range:112-129
No. of Pages:18
Keywords:spatial identity; migration; international students; Serbia
Summary/Abstract:Exploring the role and significance of space (city, university campus, student accommodation) as the new local or micro surroundings of international students gives a unique perspective on the (re)construction of their identity. This paper presents the most significant results regarding emotional attachment to the place of origin and the city of studying, as well as international students’ evaluation of the differences between the functional attributes of the place of origin and place of studying in respect of the type of housing, the organization of public transportation, public spaces and green areas, the availability of provision services, healthcare, and the sense of safety in public space. The discussion offers a parallel of research findings on the subject analysis between two groups of international students: Serbian students attending or having attended university abroad (mostly in Global North countries) and foreign students in Serbia (from the countries of Global South). In this way, the changeability of spatial identity is observed from a twofold perspective, involving our students with the experience of studying abroad as well as foreign students in Serbia, and additionally addressing the prospects of attracting foreign students in the future, which would have positive effects on our state.

„ТИ НИСИ ИСТА” – ИСКУСТВА СОЦИО-КУЛТУРНЕ АДАПТАЦИЈЕ МЕЂУНАРОДНИХ СТУДЕНАТА

„ТИ НИСИ ИСТА” – ИСКУСТВА СОЦИО-КУЛТУРНЕ АДАПТАЦИЈЕ МЕЂУНАРОДНИХ СТУДЕНАТА
("YOU ARE NOT THE SAME" - EXPERIENCES OF SOCIO-CULTURAL ADAPTATION OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS)

Author(s):Vesna M. Lukić
Language:Serbian
Subject(s):Education, Sociology, Higher Education , Migration Studies
Page Range:130-145
No. of Pages:16
Keywords:adaptation; identity; international students; migration; change
Summary/Abstract:International students face numerous socio-cultural and academic challenges in their country of studying. The paper deals with the impact of the international studying experience on changing different aspects of international students’ lives. It relies on the results obtained within the IS-MIGaIN project, both via quantitative and qualitative methods. The aim of the research is to investigate the attitudes and experiences by international students in terms of whether and to what extent the migration experience has influenced the (re)construction of their personal and socio-cultural identity, in their own subjective perception. For the data analysis, descriptive statistical analysis, as well as thematic analysis via the MAXQDA 2024 program have been used. The experiences of change during studying abroad have been presented from the perspective of international students in Serbia and students from Serbia who either studied or are still studying abroad. The results indicate that there are complex and versatile experiences of transformation in different aspects of personality and life of international students, during the process of adaptation to the academic and socio-cultural framework of the society and state in which they study. A conclusion may be drawn that international students do recognise how much and in what way they have changed through interaction with new environment, and they mainly accept these changes and assess them as positive and useful.

БИОГРАФИЈЕ АУТОРА

БИОГРАФИЈЕ АУТОРА
(AUTHORS’ BIOGRAPHIES)

Author(s):Author Not Specified
Language:Serbian
Subject(s):Education, Migration Studies
Page Range:147-149
No. of Pages:3

METHODOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RESEARCH

METHODOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RESEARCH
(METHODOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RESEARCH)

Author(s):Snežana S. Stojšin
Language:English
Subject(s):Sociology, Higher Education , Methodology and research technology, Migration Studies
Page Range:168-189
No. of Pages:22
Keywords:international academic migration; focus groups; online survey; qualitative interview; sample; identities
Summary/Abstract:The paper presents the methodology of the research of international student migration, i.e. of the (re)construction of their identities. The phases of the research are described, as well as methodological obstacles that we have encountered in working on this project, together with the manners in which we have overcome these obstacles. The foundation of the paper consists of an analysis of the characteristics of the utilised methods, and of the sample to which they have been applied. During the data collection phase, three research methods were implemented. The initial framework for the research, more precise definitions of the basic terms and their dimensions have been based on the results of focus-group interviews. Quantification of the results was made possible after the application of an online survey in which the basic terms, such as identity change and characteristics of international student migration, were more precisely operationalized. The final method used in the collection of the data to elucidate the aspects of international migration of students insufficiently researched through using the first two methods, was qualitative interview. With implementing qualitative interview and using an interview guide, the process of data collection was rounded up. During the data collection, the sample was divided into four groups of respondents, i.e. the students who had had an experience of international studying longer than a year. The first group consisted of Serbian students studying abroad, the second included Serbian students who had studied abroad but returned to Serbia or left for another country. Foreign students were also divided in two groups: those currently studying in Serbia, and those who had studied in Serbia, but returned to their country of origin after the studies.

THE ROLE OF PUSH AND PULL FACTORS IN THE SELECTION OF DESTINATION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: SERBIAN CONTEXT

THE ROLE OF PUSH AND PULL FACTORS IN THE SELECTION OF DESTINATION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: SERBIAN CONTEXT
(THE ROLE OF PUSH AND PULL FACTORS IN THE SELECTION OF DESTINATION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: SERBIAN CONTEXT)

Author(s):Nena A. Vasojević
Language:English
Subject(s):Sociology, Higher Education , Migration Studies
Page Range:190-208
No. of Pages:19
Keywords:host country; international students; academic migration; push-pull factors; Serbia
Summary/Abstract:Many countries, especially small and underdeveloped countries of the world, increasingly search for new models that would help them attract young highly educated professionals to educate themselves in the high education institutions within their borders, thus influencing their better position on the global market. Relying on the push and pull factors’ theory, this research investigates the motives for studying in the host country, as well as international students’ intention to stay or leave the host country after finishing their studies. The paper uses an mixed methods approach to analyse the data received in all three phases of the research with Serbian students who are studying or studied abroad and foreign students who are studying or studied in Serbia.

NATIONAL IDENTITY COMPONENTS IN FOREIGN STUDENTS STUDYING IN SERBIA

NATIONAL IDENTITY COMPONENTS IN FOREIGN STUDENTS STUDYING IN SERBIA
(NATIONAL IDENTITY COMPONENTS IN FOREIGN STUDENTS STUDYING IN SERBIA)

Author(s):Milica Z. Vesković Anđelković
Language:English
Subject(s):Sociology, Higher Education , Migration Studies, Politics and Identity, Identity of Collectives
Page Range:210-227
No. of Pages:18
Keywords:national identity; ethnic type; civic type; loyalty test
Summary/Abstract:This paper approaches identity as a variable category, subject to continuous reshaping under the influence of various contexts in which an individual finds themselves. The ongoing building of identity is particularly characteristic of migrant populations, who face challenges arising from differing social environments. The adopted perspective is that, during this reconstruction process, a core foundation of identity – established during primary socialisation, remains intact despite the interaction of individual predispositions and the social environment. Within this foundation, national identity is identified as a form of collective identity, which is the focal point of the analysis in this chapter. The analysis itself relies on the empirical data collected through a survey. The central point for data processing and interpretation is the notion that national identity consists of components embedded in two distinct types of this phenomenon: ethnic and civic. The objective of the study is to explore the extent to which international students align with these components, whether they are more inclined towards an ethnic or civic conception of national identity, and whether socio-demographic characteristics and contextual factors influence their perspectives. Additionally, an emotional component of national identity is included, which is reflected in students’ support for national teams as well as their approaches to portraying their home countries to the foreigners they interact with. A positive attitude towards their country of origin, indicative of the students’ identification with it, implies the need for the development of encouraging state policies aimed at harnessing their potential for the advancement of society.

SOCIO-CULTURAL CONNECTEDNESS: EXPERIENCES OF FOREIGN STUDENTS IN SERBIA AND SERBIAN STUDENTS ABROAD

SOCIO-CULTURAL CONNECTEDNESS: EXPERIENCES OF FOREIGN STUDENTS IN SERBIA AND SERBIAN STUDENTS ABROAD
(SOCIO-CULTURAL CONNECTEDNESS: EXPERIENCES OF FOREIGN STUDENTS IN SERBIA AND SERBIAN STUDENTS ABROAD)

Author(s):Jelena R. Predojević Despić
Language:English
Subject(s):Politics, Higher Education , Migration Studies, Politics and Identity, Identity of Collectives
Page Range:228-243
No. of Pages:16
Keywords:national identity; ethnic type; civic type; loyalty test
Summary/Abstract:This paper aims to contribute to understanding the challenges and opportunities of socio-cultural connectedness with the environments of origin and destination through the experience of international students, that is, Serbian students who have studied abroad and international students who study in Serbia. This paper’s qualitative analysis relies on broader empirical research results. The results show that the respondents were faced with numerous challenges and attained different levels of socio-cultural connectedness in the process of intercultural adaptation in a transnational context, depending on their positioning in the new environment. The respondents who developed positive strategies regarding their positioning relative to other people in the discourse have demonstrated a greater determination to learn about other cultures while also considering the possibility of staying in the destination country when asked about their future. Some respondents have developed only partial socio-cultural connectedness with the new environment and/or limited competences for accepting multicultural connectedness and, from their perspective, a different way of life. Insufficient knowledge of the local language has significantly limited their opportunities for interactive positioning, stressing the need for social support in the process.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS BETWEEN TWO LABOUR MARKETS: PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY, WORK CONDITIONS AND CAREER PLANNING

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS BETWEEN TWO LABOUR MARKETS: PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY, WORK CONDITIONS AND CAREER PLANNING
(INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS BETWEEN TWO LABOUR MARKETS: PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY, WORK CONDITIONS AND CAREER PLANNING)

Author(s):Vladan D. Vidicki
Language:English
Subject(s):Higher Education , Migration Studies, Human Resources in Economy, Politics and Identity, Identity of Collectives
Page Range:244-260
No. of Pages:17
Keywords:professional identity; international students; labour market; work conditions; career planning
Summary/Abstract:Market-orientation of universities and implementation of the concept of work-integrated learning have led to increased participation of the meso-level economic actors in the functioning of higher education. Companies, small and mid-size enterprises become partners of scientific-research organisations, primarily in implementing work practice for students, and also in securing specific additional jobs and long-term professional engagements after the studies. For international students, such circumstances in a great number of cases lead to contacts with actors coming from more than one labour market. Such a situation may result in acquiring specific dual work experience for these students, and accordingly, spark comparison and consideration of the conditions for and position of their own profession in different work environments. The topic of this paper are these very work experiences by international students abroad and effects of such experiences on their professional identity, perception of work conditions and planning of their career after finishing their studies. The presented findings have been based on the integrated quantitative and qualitative results acquired by means of focus group interviews, surveys and in-depth qualitative interviews with foreign students in Serbia, Serbian students studying abroad and student returnees from both these categories.

CHANGE OF SPATIAL IDENTITY THROUGH INTERNATIONAL STUDENT MIGRATION

CHANGE OF SPATIAL IDENTITY THROUGH INTERNATIONAL STUDENT MIGRATION
(CHANGE OF SPATIAL IDENTITY THROUGH INTERNATIONAL STUDENT MIGRATION)

Author(s):Jasna J. Petrić
Language:English
Subject(s):Higher Education , Migration Studies, Human Resources in Economy
Page Range:262-277
No. of Pages:16
Keywords:spatial identity; migration; international students; Serbia
Summary/Abstract:Exploring the role and significance of space (city, university campus, student accommodation) as the new local or micro surroundings of international students gives a unique perspective on the (re)construction of their identity. This paper presents the most significant results regarding emotional attachment to the place of origin and the city of studying, as well as international students’ evaluation of the differences between the functional attributes of the place of origin and place of studying in respect of the type of housing, the organization of public transportation, public spaces and green areas, the availability of provision services, healthcare, and the sense of safety in public space. The discussion offers a parallel of research findings on the subject analysis between two groups of international students: Serbian students attending or having attended university abroad (mostly in Global North countries) and foreign students in Serbia (from the countries of Global South). In this way, the changeability of spatial identity is observed from a twofold perspective, involving our students with the experience of studying abroad as well as foreign students in Serbia, and additionally addressing the prospects of attracting foreign students in the future, which would have positive effects on our state.

“YOU ARE NOT THE SAME” - EXPERIENCES OF SOCIO-CULTURAL ADAPTATION OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

“YOU ARE NOT THE SAME” - EXPERIENCES OF SOCIO-CULTURAL ADAPTATION OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
(“YOU ARE NOT THE SAME” - EXPERIENCES OF SOCIO-CULTURAL ADAPTATION OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS)

Author(s):Vesna M. Lukić
Language:English
Subject(s):Higher Education , Migration Studies
Page Range:278-292
No. of Pages:15
Keywords:adaptation; identity; international students; migration; changes
Summary/Abstract:International students face numerous socio-cultural and academic challenges in their country of studying. The paper deals with the impact of the international studying experience on changing different aspects of international students’ lives. It relies on the results obtained within the IS-MIGaIN project, both via quantitative and qualitative methods. The aim of the research is to investigate the attitudes and experiences by international students in terms of whether and to what extent the migration experience has influenced the (re)construction of their personal and socio-cultural identity, in their own subjective perception. For the data analysis, descriptive statistical analysis, as well as thematic analysis via the MAXQDA 2024 program have been used. The experiences of change during studying abroad have been presented from the perspective of international students in Serbia and students from Serbia who either studied or are still studying abroad. The results indicate that there are complex and versatile experiences of transformation in different aspects of personality and life of international students, during the process of adaptation to the academic and socio-cultural framework of the society and state in which they study. A conclusion may be drawn that international students do recognise how much and in what way they have changed through interaction with new environment, and they mainly accept these changes and assess them as positive and useful.

AUTHORS’ BIOGRAPHIES

AUTHORS’ BIOGRAPHIES
(AUTHORS’ BIOGRAPHIES)

Author(s):Author Not Specified
Language:English
Subject(s):Migration Studies
Page Range:293-295
No. of Pages:3

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Међународне студентске миграције и идентитети International student migration and identities

МЕТОДОЛОШКЕ КАРАКТЕРИСТИКЕ ИСТРАЖИВАЊА

МЕТОДОЛОШКЕ КАРАКТЕРИСТИКЕ ИСТРАЖИВАЊА (METHODOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RESEARCH)

УТИЦАЈ ФАКТОРА ПРИТИСКА И ПРИВЛАЧЕЊА НА ОДАБИР ДЕСТИНАЦИЈЕ МЕЂУНАРОДНИХ СТУДЕНАТА: КОНТЕКСТ СРБИЈЕ

УТИЦАЈ ФАКТОРА ПРИТИСКА И ПРИВЛАЧЕЊА НА ОДАБИР ДЕСТИНАЦИЈЕ МЕЂУНАРОДНИХ СТУДЕНАТА: КОНТЕКСТ СРБИЈЕ (THE ROLE OF PUSH AND PULL FACTORS IN THE SELECTION OF DESTINATION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: SERBIAN CONTEXT)