Competences and employability of Erasmus Mundus Graduates in Agriculture on the Job Market in China and Mongolia

Bc. Radek Vašíček

Master's thesis

Abstract:

Erasmus is European Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students. This is European Union project to support international mobility of university students and teachers across the world with European universities. Erasmus programme was founded in 1987. More than 3,000 students attended international study visit from 11 countries in the first year of Erasmus Mundus. This programme focuses on student mobility and it significantly contributes to the future mobility of highly skilled workers. This thesis deals with the evaluating of the Erasmus Mundus study programmes completed by alumni from China and Mongolia. The success and comparative advantage of the graduates are evaluated. The objective of this study is to identify how Erasmus Mundus graduates in agri-related Life-Sciences perform on professional job market and evaluate specific skills and success of alumni who completed Erasmus Mundus programme in Europe. Comparison of competences and skills of alumni in agriculture-related Life-sciences gained and their comparative advantage and expectations of their employers in Asian job market after return from education/training period to home country is provided. Another important goal is to compare the results gained from China and Monogolia regarding specific competences and skills of gradutes. The data was gathered through a semi-structured on-line questionnaire distributed among the alumni from China and Mongolia graduates between 2004 and 2013 across various Erasmus Mundus programmes thanks to which students could study in the fields of agriculture and related Life-sciences. The questionnaires were created and analysed through the Limesurvey programme and 62 respondents presented research valid sample. The main finding is that EM programme was a great opportunity for all alumni. Shortened period for finding a job, more professional networks and career advancement belong to the common advantage highlighted by both Chinesse and Mongolian alumni. 76% of all currently working Chinessee strongly agreed that EM helped them to find job and begin the career. The graduates obtained education of high quality. Generally daily working skills were developed in both countries like: responsibility, Interaction with other people, communication skills, capacity to work in a team and of cource language skills. A majority of the Mongolian graduates believe that European Degree gave them a better start and more opportunities than to local students. The graduates obtained very good quality education and which opened their minds. Allmost all graduates return to their countries after study and mainly find a job rapidly.

Keywords

Life-Sciences, Career, Labour Market, Employability, Study Programmes, Scholarship, Higher Education, Student Mobility, Knowledge, Effectiveness, Skills, Ability

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 22. 4. 2016

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: Ing. Petra Chaloupková, Ph.D.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences

Master programme / field:
Tropical Agriculture / International Development and Agricultural Economics