International student mobility and the 'colonial connection' in Suriname : the Surinamese-Dutch relationship as a factor in international student mobility choices and rationales in Suriname

Abstract

International student mobility is, along with other internationalization strategies, on the rise. However, reasons for vesting in such efforts are rarely stated explicitly, nor are the benefits discussed. The effects of mobility need to be understood within their proper context. Suriname has a high level of student mobility to its former colonizer power the Netherlands. This study examines the historical relationship of these two counties and answers in which ways such a relationship can affect international student mobility flows. In addition, and more importantly, this contextual knowledge is used to place and understand present day mobility choices. 16 Surinamese students at the Anton de Kom University of Suriname were interviewed on their rationales for pursuing HE and their attitudes towards studying abroad. The findings were examined using postcolonialism and human capital theory. It is found that most students perceive of higher education as a means to secure their future. However, a lack of domestic opportunities and the status attributed to foreign higher education, combine to make studying abroad an attractive way of achieving this goal. The Netherlands is an attractive destination for many due to the language commonality, familiarity with the country and the education system compatibility. The government is found not to actively support mobility to the Netherlands on any large scale, but rather focus on mobility to other developing countries as a way to stop brain drain that is often the end result of mobility to the Netherlands. The paper concludes that the „colonial connection‟ indeed affects mobility; however, the government‟s strategy might not be weakening the connection. Limiting access to mobility in the Netherlands acts to reproduce its status and maintain the low status of domestic higher education in society.