ABSTRACT. This article examines the patterns and determinants of virtual mobility among students in the social sciences and humanities at three universities in Central Europe: University of Hradec Kralove (HKU) in the Czech Republic, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan (AMU) in Poland and Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra (UKF) in Slovakia. Virtual mobility, a form of international cooperation facilitated by information and communication technologies, has become increasingly important, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study investigates students’ motivation, resources and experiences in this form of mobility. Findings show that a similar percentage of students participated in both physical and virtual mobility across the three universities, with over 60% not participating in any form of mobility. Work experience significantly impacted participation, as students with employment records were likelier to participate. Gender and level of study did not have a significant influence on participation. Noticeable differences in motivation were observed between universities, with students at the AMU demonstrating a higher level of motivation for virtual mobility. The study also revealed differences in students’ perceptions of technical resources and organisational effectiveness for virtual mobility.

Keywords: virtual mobility; higher education; Central European universities; student motivation, information and communication technologies (ICTs); COVID-19 pandemic; social sciences and humanities (SSH)

How to cite: Baranowski, M., & Jabkowski, P. (2023). On virtual mobility in three Central European universities: Similar but different? Knowledge Cultures, 11(3), 82-100. https://doi.org/10.22381/kc11320235

Received 22 October 2023 • Received in revised form 12 November 2023
Accepted 13 November 2023 • Available online 1 December 2023