Views of Erasmus+ Exchange Students Studying in the Field of Sports in Different Countries Regarding the Programme

Zeynep Onağ,Emine Kaya,Diyar Kaya Saylam

doi:10.5296/jei.v7i2.19285

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the views of Erasmus+ Exchange students studying in the field of sports in different countries regarding the programme. In the study, descriptive phenomenology design, one of qualitative study designs, was used. In accordance with this aim, five open ended questions answered by 14 foreign students participating in the Erasmus+ exchange programme in different universities offering sports science programmes in Portugal were analyzed through content analysis. The data obtained from the students were discussed under five themes, which are; reasons for participating in the programme, contribution to the field, challenges faced, similarities and differences with their education and suggestions. The views expressed by the students reveal that their reason for participating in the programme is to experience different cultures; the contribution of the programme to their field is the different course styles; the challenges they face are language and financial challenges; the similarity with the education in their country is the course contents and the difference is the teaching styles; and their suggestion is that the students shouldn’t be afraid to participate in exchange programmes.

Highlights

As education is one of the factors that determine the degree of competition for a country, it is of strategic importance and today education systems are rapidly globalized due to various factors, and especially technological advances
This study aims to analyze the views of Erasmus+ Exchange students studying in the field of sports in different countries regarding the programme
Descriptive phenomenology design, one of qualitative study designs, was used. In accordance with this aim, five open ended questions answered by 14 foreign students participating in the Erasmus+ exchange programme in different universities offering sports science programmes in Portugal were analyzed through content analysis

Summary

Introduction

As education is one of the factors that determine the degree of competition for a country, it is of strategic importance and today education systems are rapidly globalized due to various factors, and especially technological advances. Countries and institutions are launching various exchange programmes in order to increase the quality of higher education, promote internationalization and increase their competitive power globally These programmes lead to a rapid growth in international mobility of students and academic and administrative staff. European Solidarity Corps (ESC) provides an opportunity for volunteering, solidarity and networking in projects that contribute to the society (UA, 2021) In this regard, it has expanded its geographical boundaries and has become a comprehensive programme which funds people of different ages and groups that they wish to reach out to in the fields of education, youth and sports (Yağcı, Ekinci, Burgaz, Kelecioğlu, & Ergene, 2007; Açıkgöz, Çatıkoğlu, Hephep, & Karaca, 2020). Reinforcement of European higher education through the realization of the European Union’s decision on life-long learning and mobility, which is one of the union’s decisions related with education for 2021-2030, has increased the importance and function of Erasmus+ programmes (AB, 2021)

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