The Erasmus Programme in Malta 2000-2004 : a comparative analysis of students' participation with the other new member states

Abstract

Maltese students have been active in European Exchange Programmes within the SOCRATES Programme since 1999. Students from different Faculties and Departments have followed one semester and annual courses in European Universities. Students are transferring Credits through the European Credit Transfer System to the University of Malta. The major aim of the study was to identify the strengths and weaknesses of Maltese Higher Education Erasmus students' participation in European Programmes. The thesis will focus on what quality, educational and life experience is being provided to students taking part in the Erasmus Programme, both in Malta and also in the other 9 new Member States. In the first chapter a full description of the Erasmus Programme will be given, which includes the background, objectives, participating countries, key features, etc. In the second chapter a comparison between Malta and the other 9 new Member States on student mobility will be carried out. This chapter will also include a comparison with the initial 18 Member States. This will include statistics on the number of students, subject areas, grants, age group, duration, etc. In the third chapter a historical and bibliographical research will set the scene for the University of Malta's participation in the Erasmus Programme. In chapter four, experiences of outgoing students from the University of Malta to the other host universities will be explored. The reports of students of academic years 2002/2003 and 2003/2004 will be evaluated. Particular attention will be given to the following areas: personal and social development, awareness of the European Dimension, academic development and language development Through the analysis of the reports, it was evident that individuals gained significantly from the experience. In most cases students claimed that the whole Erasmus experience is a lifetime experience.