Student Mobility as a Strategy of Increasing Competitiveness on the Global Labor Market – An Attempt to Diagnose Educational Mobility: The Case of Poland

Purpose: The aim of the article is the identification and the assessment of the state, and the conditions for the participation of higher education units in Poland in the process of educational mobility in terms of the competitiveness of graduates. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study was based on the analysis of data from official statistics of the Central Statistical Office, Eurostat, and OECD (desk research - external). Findings: The internationalization of higher education has become a common phenomenon that is subject to ranking. The benefits of internationalization relate to both the individual, environmental and social dimensions, considered on the example of individual countries and on a global level. Student mobility considered in terms of personnel is one of the factors influencing the position of a future graduate on the global labor market, and at the same time a form of performing the function of an ambassador of one's own country and creating the image of a state open to the development of science and education. The importance of the issues of mobility and skills acquired during studies abroad of one's own country is reflected in strategic cooperation and development documents in the European Union countries, including Poland, which is one of the countries with a very low rate (about 4%) of internationalization (next to Greece, Spain and Croatia). Polish students undertake studies in many countries, but the level of interest is still (not only during the pandemic) very low. Practical Implications: The diagnosis of the conditions and benefits of internationalization in higher education should have a significant impact on strategic decision-making by students, university authorities, national state institutions, as well as managers of international organizations in terms of competitiveness on global markets. Originality/Value: The article uses the latest data and information on learning mobility in higher education, with particular emphasis on the situation in Poland.