Reflections of Incoming Erasmus+ Exchange Students at a Turkish University Context

Abstract

This study aims to shed light on the preferences and problems of Erasmus+ exchange programme students before and during the mobility process. The research was organized in qualitative research method phenomenological design. The participants of the study were 21 incoming Erasmus+ students having studied at a state university in Turkey at 2015-2016 academic year. The required data were collected with a survey in open-ended questionnaire format. The collected data were analyzed with descriptive content analysis technique. Students' answers were described, organized and explained to interpret the context. Participants' preferences gave information about the reasons for choosing the country and the university while their impressions were covering the first impressions after arriving in Turkey, information about Turkey, Turkish culture, Turkish university, and expectations about education. The findings also gave information about the problems or difficulties and previous experiences of the participants. Lastly, some implications and suggestions were derived from the statements of Erasmus+ programme students.