Influx of International Students into Taiwan

Abstract

In recent decades, student mobility patterns have shifted from the previous elitist experience characterized by scholarship of the wealthy few to the current mass movement of average individuals and groups (Teichler and Jahr 2001). In the twenty-first century, a select number of students define themselves as members of elite groups enrolled in high-quality degree programs in popular host destinations; the majority, however, leave their home nations to obtain degrees at personal financial expense. Others are motivated to acquire international experiences that complement concurrent academic programs in their home nations. Traditionally, international students immigrated to study with world-renowned scholars or to further their disciplinary knowledge in nations such as the United States or Britain. In the contemporary era, university students are more likely to study in the global arena in newly established host destinations to obtain advanced degrees, diplomas, or professional certification (Williams 1981).