A B S T R A C TThis analysis takes as its focus the Erasmus experience and seeks to obtain information about how it contributes to human development in accordance with the capabilities approach of Amartya Sen and Marta Nussbaum. By way of a qualitative research proposal, and with the support of NVIVO 10 software, evidence is found of the "capacitating potential" of the aforementioned European Union mobility programme. This evidence is detailed through qualitative data-in this case regarding "adaptive capabilities", representing one of six areas of study pursued in this investigation.