This entry discusses programs that support, encourage, or administer international student mobility (ISM). According to the definition from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE, 2004), ISM is “any form of international mobility which takes place within a student’s programme of study in higher education.” ISM programs can refer to supporting outbound students (outward mobility) as well as incoming students from abroad (inward mobility). Students planning a spell abroad can either plan or organize their stay independently (as what are called free movers) or via a student exchange program.

This entry begins by providing an overview of patterns of student mobility and then describes the role of student mobility programs. ISM includes both short-term study abroad visits as well as long-term study abroad stays for ...