ERASMUS AND ITS EFFECTS ON PARTICIPANTS’ EUROPEAN IDENTITY An Interview Study of Swedish Exchange Students

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to examine how students that have participated in the Erasmus programme perceives the effect it has had on their European identity. Theory: A theoretical framework based on Karl Deutsch’s theory of transactionalism in combination with the concepts of “identity” and “European identity” are used to understand and explain the effects of the Erasmus programme on students’ identification with Europe. Method: The material was collected through interviewing students from Chalmers University of Technology that had partaken in the Erasmus programme Result: The analysis of the gathered data showed that the students experienced a positive impact on their European identity due to their participation in the Erasmus programme. However, the vagueness of the concept of being “European” hindered the identification process. A clearer definition and a wider understanding of the concept would facilitate the creation of a European identity.