Perceptions of Turkish exchange students of the European Union's Erasmus program

Abstract

This qualitative case study investigated what perceptions outgoing Turkish students have of their Erasmus exchange experience. This investigation examines whether Erasmus program meets its objectives at the individual level, to what extent it satisfies students’ expectations and to what extent this European experience with Erasmus affects students’ understanding of and attitudes towards Europe. The research questions were: (1) What are the perceptions of Turkish Erasmus students regarding the Erasmus program itself? and (2) What are the perceptions of Turkish Erasmus students regarding the European aspects of their experience within Erasmus program? Data was collected through semi-structured interviews in Turkish from ten Erasmus exchange students. Participants were interviewed during single meetings that were recorded and transcribed fully. The data was analyzed using a content analysis approach. Results indicated that all the participants were extremely satisfied with their period abroad with Erasmus program. According to the findings, Erasmus is regarded as an important opportunity as it provides students with an international experience and grants. Although Erasmus is primarily an academic exchange program aiming at mobility of students and recognition of studies around Europe, Turkish students did not attribute an academic importance to their Erasmus experience. Instead, they value the socio-cultural aspects of their exchange experience better. They found their experience especially crucial in terms of gaining them more autonomy and selfconfidence, a cross-cultural perspective and broadening their horizons. Their time abroad changed their understanding of and attitude towards the host country considerably to an extent that they developed a sense of attachment and belonging to the host country. Based on their experience in the host countries, the participants had a perception that a regulative system and order exist in every aspect of life in Europe and they held the opinion that there was a lack of solidarity apparent in Europe resulting from weak interpersonal relations. All participants complained about the existence of a great amount of prejudice against the Turkish. However, they did not sense discriminated as a result of these bias. They all see Erasmus program as a way of eliminating these bias and promoting Turkey’s image in the international arena, thereby facilitating accession to the EU. Students generally favor Turkey’s accession to the EU and reported no change in their opinion in consequence of their exchange experience.