Europese studentenmobiliteit als hefboom voor Europese identiteitsvorming?

Abstract

Since the introduction of the Erasmus programme in 1987, student mobility has become more visible. One underlying rationale of Erasmus and other international exchange programmes is the promotion of a European feeling of identity. In this article, the authors study the influence of European student mobility on European identity using a mixed-method approach. The quantitative part consists of an online survey, conducted among students at ten universities in seven countries, at the end of the 2008-2009 academic year. The qualitative part consists of 32 semi structured in-depth interviews and four focus group discussions, conducted with students at four European universities. The analysis shows that a study period abroad influences the development of an “experience-based Europe”. This experience of Europe adds a social dimension to the political and cultural definition of the term, and is the result of socialisation processes that are characterised by internal and external identity observations.