Erasmus student mobility flows - the national-level social network analysis of Slovenia

Abstract

Paper analyses student mobilities to/from Slovenian higher education institutions, which have been involved in the Erasmus student mobility program between the academic years 2007/2008 and 2011/2012. Slovenian Erasmus mobility network consists of over 11,000 outgoing/incoming students to/from 30 Slovenian higher education institutions. Network analytical methods reveal countries and higher education institutions that are the most attractive for Slovenian students. On the other hand, we found countries and higher education institutions that are the best exporters of Erasmus students to the Slovenian higher education system. Further in-depth national-level analysis revealed the underlying interconnectedness of largest Slovenian universities with same foreign partners; as well as the satellite position of small private higher education institutions. Provided results are discussed through the prism of possible implications on Slovenian higher education internationalisation processes.