CONFERENCEInternational student recruitment strategies in the regions of Latvia
Ieva Jegermane 0009-0001-3984-9605
University of Latvia
Elina Apsite-Berina 0000-0001-5537-5879
University of Latvia
E-mail: ieva.jegermane@lu.lv
DOI:
Keywords: Latvian regions, international students, higher education, internationalisation, student mobility.
Abstract
In the context of declining local student enrolment, higher education institutions are developing and implementing internationalisation measures and attracting international students to regional universities. This study analyses the processes of internationalisation in higher education in Latvia's regional universities and the experience of integrating international students. This research employs a methodology consisting of quantitative statistical analysis and qualitative methods, including document analysis, interviews with staff from International Affairs departments, and semi-structured interviews with international students studying in Latvia. The findings demonstrate that regional universities maintain their competitive edge through personalised educational approaches, and affordable tuition and living costs, while simultaneously highlighting the substantial difficulties international students encounter when integrating socially into their new environment. The research also highlights the need to expand employment prospects for international students in the regions of Latvia, and to promote these students settling long-term in these regions following the completion of their studies.