Foreign Students Mobility to Ghana: Motivations and Implications

Abstract

Education is increasingly seen by governments as a major contributor to national wealth and economic development. Foreign students undertaking studies in a country other than their own is on the increase and has become a dominant phenomenon. Significant numbers of studies focus on the movement of foreign students from developing and emerging economies into developed ones. This study, however, examines the reasons and factors that influence foreign students’ mobility from developed and emerging economies to Ghana for studies, with the University of Ghana as a case study. The data collection process was performed using mixed methods. My study finds that among others, programme and duration of study constitute the major motivating factors for foreign students selecting Ghana as a destination of choice. This refers to a situation whereby different methodologies that is both qualitative and quantitative are integrated in the same research In addition, peace and stability in the country and Ghana’s rich cultural heritage are cited by foreign students as pull factors in their migration decision making processes. Among others, the study concludes that opportunities for cross-cultural exchanges shape the migration trajectories of the foreign students more than their perception of the level of socio-economic development of the destination country. While the majority of the literature has provided a lens on the benefits of study abroad from the student perspective, international competition between countries for foreign students has become increasingly important to gain a better understanding of the factors that influence foreign students’ decision on study destination. Invariably, this literature examines the internationalization and globalization of higher education with the associated patterns and trends, the existing evidence of foreign student mobility across international borders with specific focus on Ghana and the determinants of such movements. In light of this, the University of Ghana might need to consider the recommended actions and practical implications to formulate their marketing strategy to meet the target students more effectively. Overall, this study contributes to improve the understanding of the various factors that underpin students’ decision with regards to choosing a study destination.