The Security Needs of International Students: An Analysis in Terms of the Securitization Theory

Abstract

International students, who play a significant role in the internationalization of higher education, need a secure area in the host country, which is especially important for international students in higher education. In some states, these students are considered a potential threat to national security and subject to various inequalities of opportunity, however, ironically, the states do not adequately address the higher education policies regarding the security needs of international students. This study aimed to discuss factors that affect the higher education mobility process of international students based on securitization and analyze the security needs of these students in terms of the conceptual framework. As a result of the study, the findings regarding the military, political, economic, societal and environmental security needs of international students were revealed and all relevant education actors were invited to be questioned.