Erasmus student mobility: Some good practices according to views of Ankara University exchange students

In this case study, opinions of Ankara University Erasmus mobility students were analyzed about their experiences at host Erasmus universities. The aim of the study is to learn the experiences of Ankara University mobility students, find out the reasons of attending Erasmus mobility, the good examples they experienced and discuss whether it changes according to a host country. It is a case study examining the views of Ankara University Erasmus mobility students. A case study research method is used in many situations. It is used very often in education, social sciences, political science, sociology, anthropology, etc. The positive feature of case study is that the researchers can have the holistic and meaningful characteristics of real-life events (Yin, 2009). All data were collected with digital questionnaires. Based on empirical data, the research focuses on the added value of Erasmus student mobility. The qualitative analysis was conducted using MAXQDA 11 program. Results showed that language learning and living in a different culture are the main reasons of participating in Erasmus mobility. Good practices were discussed according to academic, social and psychical dimensions. In academic dimension, students liked mostly courses, instructors, academic development opportunities and language learning opportunities. In social dimension good guidance, attitudes toward students, flexible bureaucracy and multicultural learning environments are most liked attributes of host universities. In physical dimension students indicated their positive views about accommodation, technical facilities, facilities for study and facilities for handicapped students. Ankara University students indicated numerous good implications at their host universities and the programme seems to achieve its goal. Although the programme seems to achieve its goal further researches are needed to analyse its effect on students’ future life.