Educational emigration of Iranian and Tajik students to Russia: a comparative analysis

Abstract

Academic mobility of students is a complex phenomenon that plays an important role in the process of socio-economic and cultural development of receiving and sending countries. With the beginning of the globalization process, the movement of scientists, professors, students, etc. has become easier, faster, and more convenient, which has prompted universities and research institutions to attract students from abroad. Russia, like many other countries, has created the project «Development of the export potential of the Russian education system». However, there are different internal and external factors affecting the export process of Russian educational services. The purpose of this study is to compare the motives of foreign students from Iran and Tajikistan who chose Russia as a destination country to continue their education. This study uses a qualitative approach using open, semi-structured interviews with international students from Iran and Tajikistan. In total, 33 students from four cities and 6 different universities in Russia were interviewed with 21 men and 12 women aged 20 to 31 years old. The results of this study show that Iranian and Tajik students have much in common in terms of language, culture, values, and traditions but differ in their motives and decision-making process.