Learning (abroad) mobility in the European Union: A comparison of youth in and out of higher education

Abstract

AbstractIn the European Union (EU) context, learning abroad mobility (LAM) also includes non‐formal learning activities. Young people can participate in LAM whether they are in tertiary education or not. Nevertheless, studies focusing on the participation of out‐of‐higher‐education (Out‐HE) youth in LAM are often scarce. The current study aims to explore the role of several sociodemographic factors in participation in LAM among Out‐HE youth, based on the analysis of a large‐scale survey conducted across EU member countries. Findings show that Out‐HE youth is less likely to participate in LAM than the youth in higher education as expected. However, some socioeconomic factors, such as gender and age, play different roles among Out‐HE youth and the youth in higher education in old (EU15) and new member countries (NMS) of the EU.