Global south mobility: a case study on the motivations and language practices of Indian international students in Kazakhstan

A substantial body of research has focused on the outbound flow of international students to European, American, and Australasian countries. While the internationalisation of higher education in Asia has received significant attention, research on international students’ experiences in Central Asia remains limited. This mixed-methods study investigated Indian medical students’ motivations for pursuing degrees in Kazakhstan and their associated language practices. A convergent design was employed, collecting data from 158 survey respondents and 10 semi-structured interview participants. The findings indicate that students are primarily motivated by career development, financial accessibility, and the opportunity for cultural exploration, with a particular emphasis on the safety offered by Kazakhstan. These motivations strongly influence their language practices, as students show a greater interest in learning Russian, which is more commonly used in academic and social settings, compared to Kazakh. While English remains the primary medium of instruction, students demonstrate adaptability to the local linguistic environment. The study contributes to the understanding of student mobility to Central Asia, highlighting the role of both push and pull factors in shaping international students’ decisions, as well as the significant impact of these motivations on their language practices in the host country.