Abstract

Since the introduction of the Erasmus programme in 1987, student mobility has become more visible. One underlying rationale of Erasmus and other international exchange programmes is the promotion of a European feeling of identity. In this article, the authors study the influence of European student mobility on European identity using a mixed-method approach. The quantitative part consists of an online survey, conducted among students at ten universities in seven countries, at the end of the 2008-2009 academic year. The qualitative part consists of 32 semi structured in-depth interviews and four focus group discussions, conducted with students at four European universities. The analysis shows that a study period abroad influences the development of an “experience-based Europe”. This experience of Europe adds a social dimension to the political and cultural definition of the term, and is the result of socialisation processes that are characterised by internal and external identity observations.

How to Cite:

Van Mol, C. & Wauters, J., (2011) “Europese studentenmobiliteit als hefboom voor Europese identiteitsvorming?”, Tijdschrift voor Sociologie 32(3-4), 266–290. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/sociologos.86779