Navigating Short-Term Academic Mobility: A Case Study of a Select Filipino Graduate Students’ Cross-Border Experience Abroad

Background Internationalization of higher education is a critical process for preparing students for a globalized society. Short-term academic mobility programs offer graduate students opportunities for cross-cultural exposure, research collaboration and professional development. However, participation in such programs presents challenges that must be understood to enhance their effectiveness and accessibility in the future. Methods This qualitative case study examined the push and pull factors and challenges experienced by eight Filipino graduate students who participated in short-term academic mobility programs abroad. Semi-structured virtual interviews were conducted with participants from a state university in the Philippines. Data were analyzed using thematic coding to identify recurring patterns in the participants’ experiences. Results The findings revealed that graduate students were primarily pushed by a desire for academic and professional enhancement, challenges with bureaucracy and financial constraints, and the aspiration for global competitiveness. The pull factors included academic and professional opportunities, networking and collaboration prospects, and opportunities for personal growth and development. The major challenges encountered included limited financial support, bureaucratic hurdles, complex application requirements, time management difficulties, and geographical disparities that disproportionately affected students from rural areas. Conclusions Filipino graduate students are strongly motivated to pursue cross-border education, but significant barriers,particularly financial constraints and administrative complexities,hinder their participation. To unlock the transformative potential of internationalization, higher education institutions and policymakers must implement diversified funding mechanisms, streamline bureaucratic processes, and develop equity-focused policies that ensure accessibility for all graduate students, especially those from underserved regions.