The erasmus exchange experience 2009-2011 : the participating Malteses radiography students' perception.

Abstract

Purpose The Erasmus Exchange programme was initiated in order to increase knowledge of students in certain areas, while also giving them opportunities when studying abroad. This research shows how radiography students were affected generally, clinically and socially after they participated in such an exchange, between the periods 2009 and 2011. Research objectives Three objectives were targeted for this study: The first was to see what was the general opinion of students on their Erasmus experience, the second was to evaluate how the Erasmus Exchange affected the participating Maltese radiography students in their clinical practice, while the third was to assess how the Erasmus Exchange affected the participating Maltese radiography students socially. Methodology Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used for this study, which involved a prospective and a non-experimental design. Thirty participants of both genders were included in this research, all of which had participated in the Erasmus exchange between the years 2009 and 2011. A questionnaire, containing both open and close-ended questions, was given to the participants for them to fill in order to obtain data for the results. Results Around 60% of participating students said that the Erasmus exchange improved their clinical practice, especially in specialised areas. Also, 63.3% of students were interested in continuing working abroad in their choice of host country. Conclusions The study showed that all participants viewed the Erasmus exchange in a positive way, having achieved a higher level of clinical practice and having improved their social skills after the exchange. Following the results obtained the researcher also gave recommendations for further studies on the subject.