Successful Erasmus Experience: Analysing Perceptions before, during and after Erasmus

Abstract

This study explored the expectations, perceptions and experiences of students involved in Erasmus programs. The objective was to achieve a better understanding of students’ cultural and intercultural needs in order to underpin the development of teaching materials in Intercultural Education Resources for Erasmus Students and their Teachers (IEREST). To this end a questionnaire was distributed among students in the three stages of their experience: before, during and after participating in an Erasmus programme. 3557 students from universities located in Italy, United Kingdom, Finland, Slovenia, and Belgium took part in this study. Findings from the open-ended question and the closed questions were compared and contrasted to determine the essential factors that learners believed important in making an Erasmus experience successful. Results showed that becoming more independent, gaining another perspective on the way things are at home, and interacting with people from different origins were important factors for the learners. Findings also showed significant differences across gender and fields of study.