Why portuguese students go abroad to do their PhD

Abstract

The objective of this article based on interview data is focused on the mobility of Portuguese PhD students, mainly pointing to (i) their motivation for studying abroad and tackling with different foreign cultural environments; (ii) personal and professional interests; and (iii) their ability to face the mobility consequences encountered during both private lives and professionaldevelopment processes. In addition, the author of this article attempts to put forward ideas on policy making and launching effective programmes that would enhance students’ lives and scientific development as possible responses to current contradictory European political agendas in the field.