Role of International Mobility Programs in Higher Education: Fostering Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

This research investigates the impact of international mobility programs in higher education (HE) in contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by encouraging the acquisition of critical knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSAs). It emphasises the link between mobility-related KSAs and UNESCO's Key Competences for Sustainability, with a focus on their impact on SDG4 (Quality Education) and SDG8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). The study emphasises the crucial role that higher education institutions (HEIs) play in assisting students before to and throughout their mobility experiences, while also identifying a large vacuum in post-mobility support that could improve learning outcomes and contribute to the SDGs. The study emphasises the importance of developing soft skills during international mobility, such as cultural empathy, sociolinguistic awareness, and global citizenship, which are critical for tackling current challenges and contributing to sustainable development.