Comparison of physical activity and leisure benefits of Turkish and Polish students participating in the Erasmus program in Poland

Abstract

This study aims to compare the personal statements of Turkish and Polish students in the Erasmus Student Exchange Program in Poland, focusing on the benefits of physical activity and leisure time. It also examines how these practices function among Turkish and Polish students within the framework of EU Higher Education Policies. Since 2004, Turkey has participated in EU programs like Socrates, Erasmus, and Leonardo da Vinci. Although Turkey’s involvement in the Erasmus Program is relatively recent, the number of students participating in study abroad programs is rapidly increasing. This study investigates the benefits of physical activity and leisure time for Turkish and Polish students in the Erasmus Program. Data was collected using the "International Physical Activity Questionnaire" and the "Leisure Time Utilization Scale." These tools were administered online to 60 students (30 Turkish and 30 Polish) living in Poland. Participants provided informed consent before participating. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). The analysis showed no significant differences between the two groups in terms of physical activity participation and leisure activities. Both groups preferred similar physical activities during their free time. The recreational activities they tried for the first time were mainly sports-related, and their ability to meet their recreational needs was similar.