Contemporary Mobility Decisions of African International Graduates in Estonia: Motives and Integration Perspectives

Abstract

This study uses thematic analysis approach to explore the contemporary mobility decisions of African graduates’ destinations selection, and how they experienced integration in Estonia. Twenty-two research participants comprising African International graduates, domestic students, lecturers, and administrators were interviewed for the study. The study identified expected benefits of studying abroad, reputation of the degrees obtained in European Universities, low tuition fee charges, and employment opportunities as the push and pull factors which had influenced the mobility decisions of most Sub-Saharan Africans studying in Estonian Universities. The study also highlighted a challenging situation where some courses within the international programs are still taught in Estonian language. In light of this, the study suggests that Estonian Universities could consider increasing the number of programs with English as the language of teaching and learning to serve as a pull factor for international students. The study also revealed that most African graduates cannot work with the Estonia Language. The study recommends that Estonian Universities and Colleges could liaise with the Estonian government to invest more resources in teaching international students and expatriates Estonian language and culture to enhance their integration into the Estonian society and labour market.