The ESNsurvey is a Europe-wide research project covering different topics concerning mobility and education. It is the largest project of its kind, carried out solely by volunteers. Every two years since its inception in 2005, the ESN volunteers develop an online questionnaire and disseminate it among students at European Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to collect information about students' experiences during their exchange period abroad. The project involves collaboration with associations, students, teachers, academics, and various European institutions.

ESNsurvey - XV Edition: "Making Quality Mobility a Reality for All"

The XV edition of the ESNsurvey is the most comprehensive yet, collecting over 22,000 responses from exchange students, full-degree international students, and non-mobile students. The report examines key themes of the student journey, including preparation, institutional support, financial concerns, and recognition of credits after mobility. It also delves into broader priorities of the Erasmus+ programme, such as inclusion, sustainability, civic engagement, and digitalisation, offering a well-rounded view of students' experiences.

This edition is particularly significant given the ongoing mid-term evaluation of the Erasmus+ programme and discussions shaping its future post-2028. By aligning findings with the themes of the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE) and current Higher Education policies, the ESNsurvey contributes evidence-based policy recommendations aimed at improving the accessibility and quality of mobility for all students.

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Key findings:

The XV edition of the ESNsurvey offers valuable insights into the transformative power of international mobility and highlights the challenges and opportunities for improving the Erasmus+ experience. Here are some of the most significant findings from this edition’s report:

  1. Early international experiences lay the groundwork for mobility
    A majority of students (51.11%) reported participating in international experiences like high school trips or summer programs before higher education. These suggest that early exposures to international environments encourage students to pursue more extensive mobility opportunities later.

  2. Financial and housing barriers remain significant
    Insufficient financial support (35.63%) and difficulty finding affordable housing (35.5%) were identified as the top challenges for exchange students. These barriers often lead to stress, reduced motivation, and a diminished sense of belonging within the student community. Addressing these issues is crucial to ensuring that mobility is accessible to all.

  3. Engagement with local communities requires improvement
    A concerning 53.47% of exchange students did not participate in any local community or host institution activities. While some students joined sports clubs (21.78%) or local associations (15.26%), these numbers point to a missed opportunity for cultural integration and deeper connections with host communities.

  4. Digital tools have untapped potential
    Despite some progress, such as the use of the Online Learning Agreement by 44.14% of students, only 22.45% reported fully online mobility procedures. The lack of digitalized systems for applications and credit recognition signals the need for further investment in digital tools to enhance the mobility journey.

  5. Mobility strengthens European and global identity
    Mobility significantly increased students’ sense of belonging to Europe (rising from 3.81 to 4.10) and the world (from 3.91 to 4.16). These findings reinforce the Erasmus+ Programme’s role in fostering global citizenship and solidarity.

The XV ESNsurvey highlights both the successes and the areas for improvement in international mobility. By addressing these challenges and leveraging these insights, policymakers and institutions can work towards making quality mobility a reality for all.

 

Previous research reports

Attachment Files: 
xv-esnsurvey_final-report.pdf