Examining Erasmus student social integration at two Croatian universities

Abstract

Numerous students participate in and reap the documented benefits of the Erasmus+ European exchange programme. However, one of the main issues regarding the mobility is the incoming Erasmus students’ lack of social integration with host university students. This research explores the reasons behind Erasmus students’ low social integration at two small-sized universities of applied sciences in Croatia. Twenty-five Erasmus students described their relationship development with domestic Croatian students, online communication patterns, and experience with two pre-defined integration strategies. Semi-structured interview findings and thematic analysis suggest that most incoming Erasmus students were highly satisfied with their Erasmus mobility experience; however, the majority demonstrated low social integration with Croatian students. Further, the strong and vastly spread Erasmus student community shapes student expectations regarding their social life prior to mobility. Through the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) students form online connections and quickly develop relationships with other international students, an activity that potentially hinders social integration with Croatian students. This study incorporates Kim’s (2001) cross-cultural adaptation theory and extends her host social communication concept by discussing the integral role that pre-departure online communication plays in the social integration process.