Education and Migration: Problems in the Teaching and Learning Process of Ecuadorian University Students Abroad

Abstract

The objective of the study was to describe the main limitations and problems that Ecuadorian university students have abroad during the Covid-19 pandemic. The study addresses the complex student migration process and its impact on the educational system. The research was quantitative and descriptive. The sample consisted of 996 migrant students from zone 3 of Ecuador. A questionnaire structured in 3 variables was applied. The variable of objective actions, subjective situations and variables of the environment. The results were analyzed with the Mann – Whitney-U test and Cohen's d. Among the results, it was determined that the highest percentage of students abroad belongs to the female gender. The main reason for studying abroad is the search for a better academic training. In Ecuador, the professional offer is more accessible, by presenting a degree issued by foreign universities. The cheapest universities are in Latin countries. The main social and cultural difficulties when studying the USA are discrimination and xenophobia. In addition, they constitute a much higher economic investment in terms of services and accommodation. Spain is the country with the highest preference for Ecuadorian students. But the levels of evaluation and virtual education are the most complex and demanding. University students spend more than 2 hours a day in front of screens such as cell phones and computers. During free time, men spend more hours playing video games. Women prefer cell phones. In relation to age, the youngest spend more time on the cell phone, while those older than 26 years on the computer.