Does International Academic Mobility Enhance Students' Perceived Employability? Evidence from an Erasmus Programme Case Study

Abstract This working paper examines whether Erasmus mobility intensity is associated with higher perceived employability among higher education students and whether this relationship is mediated by skill development. Using primary survey data collected during the 2026 Erasmus mobility period in Alicante (n = 102), the study operationalises mobility intensity through a composite index combining duration of mobility, ECTS workload, and academic engagement beyond standard coursework. Perceived employability and skill development are measured using validated 7-point Likert-scale indices with strong internal consistency. Results indicate a positive association between mobility intensity and perceived employability (r = 0.29, p < 0.01), while skill development shows a stronger relationship with employability (r = 0.56, p < 0.001) and partially mediates the mobility–employability relationship in regression models. The findings suggest that Erasmus mobility enhances employability primarily through the development of transferable and intercultural skills rather than through mobility participation alone. Notes This paper is also available as a working paper on SSRN.