Russian Students Abroad: Investigating the Influence of Russia's War in Ukraine on Russian Students’ Mobilities in Italy

The study investigates the impact of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict on Russian students studying abroad, specifically in Italy. Through a comprehensive exploration of the mobility experience before and after the conflict, the research aims to understand how warfare influences international students’ mobility from the point of view of traveling experience, financial constraints, and personal adaptation strategies. The research is conducted with the use of both quantitative (survey) and qualitative (interviews) methods. It evaluates the influence of sanctions and restrictions imposed due to the conflict on Russian students in Italy, analyzing their coping strategies and navigation of challenges. Changes in post-war traveling experience are assessed, including shifts in perceptions of safety, attitudes towards mobility, and travel logistics. The role of universities and alterations in future perspectives are explored. The findings contribute to the broader understanding of the impact of conflict on international student mobility and provide insights for future research directions.