Motivations and Social Integration of Mobile Students: Experiences of Short-Term International Mobility Students at a Lithuanian University

Abstract

This chapter focuses on experiences of incoming short-term exchange students at a Lithuanian university. Combining data from focus group discussions and a student feedback survey, we focus on motivations to undertake short-term international mobility, reasons for choosing Lithuania, social integration during mobility, and perceived gains. Survey data showed that general motives like new experiences, living in a foreign country, and getting to know a new culture prevailed over academic or professional motives. The possibility to study in English was among the key motives for choosing Lithuania as a destination country, whereas interest in Lithuanian language was minor, and focus group data revealed that pre-arrival knowledge about the country was scarce. Overall, focus group participants reflected positively on their mobility experiences. However, social and academic integration was mainly restricted to the international student community.