A new phenomenon has been prevalent in the internationalization of higher education concerning students’ mobility across the countries, and East Europe has been seen as a popular country for student migration. Eastern European countries like Poland, Hungary, Romania, the Czech Republic, and a few other countries have become more popular among students because of relatively low prices for education, a wide range of courses, and rich cultural experience. There are more and more English-taught courses in East European universities, and this is a plus for students all over the world, including Asia, Africa, and other parts of Europe. These students also intend to improve the quality of their educational qualifications and capacity building as a key to employment in Europe in the future. While more Eastern European countries continue to hope for membership in the EU that will provide them with entry to the global educational market, the future of Eastern Europe as an area attractive to foreign students deserves further analysis.
The brief focuses on Romania strengthening its relationship with Bangladesh by expanding visa processing options and facilitating educational and employment opportunities for Bangladeshi students and workers. This brief then shifts its focus to how Eastern Europe’s popularity as a student migration destination is growing due to its affordable tuition fees, diverse English-taught programs, and vibrant cultural experiences. Lastly, this brief analyzes how student migration strengthens bilateral relations between countries.
According to the East Europe and CIS wing of Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), on September 10, 2024, Bangladeshi students with admission offers to Romanian universities can avail of visas at Romanian embassies newly opened in Hanoi, Vietnam, and Bangkok, Thailand, apart from the existing Romanian embassy in New Delhi. These increased options for visa processing are evidence of Romania’s desire for closer relations with Bangladesh. Since its formation, Bangladesh has had a good relationship with Romania, as Romania was one of the first European countries to recognize Bangladesh’s independence in 1971. Since then, both nations have strengthened their relations through diplomatic and trade ties. In 2022, Romania opened a temporary consulate in Dhaka for 3 months to facilitate the process of work visas for Bangladeshi people, and this indicates that the country is now more committed to developing friendly relations and strengthening international linkages for students as well as a qualified workforce residing in Bangladesh.
Reasons Behind the Sudden Popularity
The population of Eastern Europe, especially the youth, is now increasingly becoming fluent in the English language. A number of universities in Poland, the Czech Republic, and Russia provide various programs designed in the English language in disciplines such as economics, business, and computer science. Eastern Europe is full of rich history and cultural identity. Every country is unique in its own way. There are some other reasons that make Eastern European countries an attractive destination for foreign students, such as: The cost per head is low and tuition fees do not charge as much as some other countries do. Accommodation can even be as low as 30-50 EUR per month, and many universities provide scholarships to brilliant students or students from EU/EEA countries. This affordability makes it cheaper and easier to access quality education. The quality of the Eastern European universities has increased very fast and has reached a level that is almost similar to the Western countries, thanks to the enhanced EU cooperation. The education systems of the region now provide high-quality, affordable education with internationally accredited degrees; this is a good option for students seeking education at affordable costs, outside their own country. Studying in Europe allows students to travel throughout the EU and broaden their horizons. Many European nations are renowned for having low crime rates and accepting cultures. A person’s time as a student is special because it is defined by fewer responsibilities and difficulties than the other stages of life. Hence, this can be an interesting perspective to choose an Eastern European nation that allows students to discover the culture, life, heritage, and opportunities across Europe during their academic breaks.
International student mobility can enhance diplomatic ties between countries since it helps create channels of cultural exchange, broadening perception, and interaction in the long run. This is because when students transfer to another country in order to study, they are forced to learn and embrace the culture, people, values, and beliefs of the destination country. It cultivates friendships that are both personal and professional, enabling the student to strengthen the people-to-people relations between their country of origin and destination country after they return home. Also, the introduction of student exchange programs fosters partnerships between universities, governments, and industries by sharing knowledge and ideas. This can make diplomatic talks more effective, help in business relations, and promote globalization in areas like education, research, communication, and technology. After students return to their home country, they play an important role in shaping people’s perceptions of international relations and helping their governments to establish more extensive cooperation. Therefore, student mobility plays an important role in creating the base for the partnership and sustainable development of nations all over the world.
The expanding middle class in Bangladesh now has the financial means to travel overseas for higher education. Many people take advantage of any chance to relocate to the global north, whether it be utilizing skilled job visas or further study. The potential for students’ mobility in East Europe looks quite promising due to the many reasons discussed above. With many students from around the world aspiring to experience tertiary education in foreign countries, East Europe has much to gain both in terms of revenues and other benefits. However, the region also has issues that need to be taken care of, such as language barriers in countries, integration policies, and quality assurance in the education system. East European countries can thus make great leverage of the emerging student mobility opportunities to become some of the influential participants in the global student migration market and thus diversify and develop their education sectors.
– Tahia Afra Jannati is a Research Intern at the KRF Center for Bangladesh and Global Affairs (CBGA).
