Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/62766
Title: Being European, culturally : Erasmus student mobility as cultural experience
Authors: Cucciardi, Stacey
Keywords: ERASMUS (Organization)
Educational exchanges -- Europe
Student exchange programs -- Europe
Student mobility -- Europe
University students -- Europe
Cultural competence -- Europe
Culture shock -- Europe
Issue Date: 2020
Citation: Cucciardi, S. (2020). Being European, culturally: Erasmus student mobility as cultural experience (Bachelor's dissertation).
Abstract: This dissertation reflects the student experience of the Erasmus exchange from a cultural aspect. The research shows which models of culture come into play within Erasmus. Furthermore, it questions how students experience cultural diversity and how they represent it. The study provides an understanding of how students experience language throughout this cultural experience. It also shows whether the Erasmus exchange is culturally life changing. In order to obtain these objectives, the study was conducted through a qualitative method supported by auto-ethnography. Moreover, the information required was obtained through semi-structured interviews with seven participants including: both incoming and outgoing Erasmus students, and a professional expert within the Erasmus office. The main findings of this dissertation highlight the cultural model of nationhood based on cultural homogeneity. Whereas, the cultural model of the EU is based on unity in diversity. This research reflected how students imagine cultural diversity as nationally bounded and they express such diversity by using the notion of culture shock. The results identified how the Erasmus programme exposes students to European linguistic diversity as well as reinforces the development of English as a lingua franca. Additionally, it highlighted the significance of national language contexts as they influenced the students’ language experience. Finally, the study indicated that the Erasmus exchange is a transformative experience as students attained a cultural cosmopolitan attitude.
Description: B.A.(HONS)SOCIOLOGY
URI: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/62766
Appears in Collections:Dissertations - FacArt - 2020
Dissertations - FacArtSoc - 2020

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