Impact of international student mobility in rural Portuguese regions

Existing research on the influence of international students on host higher education institutions (HEIs) has mainly focused on revenue diversification and the multicultural environment that students bring to campus. However, there is a significant gap in research on how international students can impact the development of the local community surrounding the host institution. In this paper, we explore the societal impact of international students, beyond the immediate financial benefits associated with their spending. Through interviews with representatives of four HEIs, this study sheds light on the transformative potential of international student mobility for local development in Portugal, especially in more disadvantaged regions. We found that the presence of international students contributes to demographic renewal, economic growth, cultural dynamism, and knowledge transfer, thereby serving as a catalyst for positive societal transformations. These findings accentuate the strategic role of HEIs in fostering regional development through internationalisation efforts, especially valuable for other countries and regions facing similar demographic and economic challenges.