A recently published article in the International Journal of Educational Research explores the significant impacts that international students have on rural areas in Portugal. The article, titled “Impact of international student mobility in rural Portuguese regions,” authored by Joyce Aguiar (Center for Research in Higher Education Policies), Orlanda Tavares (CIEC, University of Minho), and Cristina Sin (CeiED, Universidade Lusófona), highlights how the presence of international students brings not only immediate economic benefits but also contributes to demographic renewal, economic growth, and cultural dynamism in rural areas facing demographic and depopulation challenges.

The study reports that international students play a central role in revitalizing Portugal's more remote regions. Interviewees—representatives of four higher education institutions, three of which are located in rural areas—emphasized that these students help increase population diversity, aiding in counteracting the demographic decline that affects many rural areas of the country.

Additionally, the presence of international students has a direct impact on the local economy. On one hand, as active consumers of goods and services, these students help stimulate the real estate sector and other segments of local commerce. On the other hand, many of these students have demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit, creating innovative businesses that meet unmet needs and add diversity to the economic landscape.

Another highlight of the study is the cultural impact that international students bring. In the regions analyzed, the arrival of these students is seen as a catalyst for greater sociocultural openness, breaking down barriers and promoting a more cosmopolitan mindset in local communities. Cultural events organized by the students, such as art exhibitions and musical performances, enrich the social life of the areas studied, providing a multicultural experience for both local residents and students alike.

While the benefits are clear, the study also identifies challenges. Many international students face difficulties integrating, including linguistic and cultural barriers, along with reports of discrimination and exclusion. These obstacles can limit students' ability to fully engage with the communities and take advantage of all the opportunities these regions offer.

The study concludes that higher education institutions in rural regions play a strategic role in regional development, but greater efforts are needed to fully integrate international students. Initiatives that promote interaction between students and the local community are essential to maximizing the economic and social benefits brought by the arrival of these students.

Full and free access to the scientific article, in English, is available here.

To cite this work: Aguiar, J., Tavares O., Sin, C. (2024). Impact of international student mobility in rural Portuguese regions. International Journal of Educational Research, 27. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2024.102439