International student mobility and international visibility in educational diplomacy: the example of Erciyes University

Abstract

Education diplomacy occupies an important place as an instrument in countries’ foreign policies. Through this channel, the development of international relations, cultural exchange, the establishment of strategic partnerships and bonds, academic cooperation, and image-building via knowledge transfer are achieved. Education diplomacy activities, which hold a particularly significant position in terms of soft power, constitute an important dimension of cultural diplomacy. As in the rest of the world, education diplomacy activities in Türkiye have intensified with the increase in globalization and integration. The policies and strategies determined in this field in Türkiye have aimed to ensure quality assurance in universities and to enhance their international visibility. Accordingly, international student mobility at universities has increased, and interest in related programs has risen.

In this study, a situational assessment is conducted specifically for Erciyes University, examining the practical reflections of Türkiye’s activities in the field of education diplomacy, with the aim of providing data and contributions to future strategic orientations based on the findings obtained. Within this scope, 2024 data from Erciyes University were evaluated using the case study analysis method. It was determined that there are 2,806 foreign students enrolled in the university’s undergraduate and graduate programs. In this context, it was identified that the largest number of enrolled students come from Syria and Azerbaijan, countries located on the Asian continent. Similarly, Asia was identified as the continent sending the highest number of students to TÖMER for the purpose of learning Turkish. Within Asia, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Kazakhstan stand out as prominent countries. It was found that the highest number of students from Europe came from Ukraine, while in Africa, students were present from many African countries, particularly Cameroon. On the other hand, within the scope of the ERASMUS+ program, Poland, Romania, Italy, and Portugal stand out among the countries with which Erciyes University has concluded the highest number of bilateral agreements. An examination of the scholarship sources of the aforementioned foreign students revealed that 45% study with scholarships provided by the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), 13% with scholarships from the Turkish Diyanet Foundation (TDV), and the remaining 42% continue their studies through their own financial means.