Abstract:

We have reviewed some characteristics of the Erasmus students of the Faculty of Pharmacy of Valencia (sex and countries involved in the exchange) in both outgoing and incoming students, taking into account the three degrees that are taught at it. We have also investigated the impact on the global mark that produces the Erasmus experience as a parameter of academic success.

METHODS. The Erasmus student data base of the Faculty of Pharmacy of Valencia has been used. It comprises three degrees: Pharmacy (Ph), Human Nutrition and Dietetics (NHD) and Food Science and Technology (CTA). Three academic years were reviewed: from 07-08 to 09-10. The gender distribution of outgoing and incoming students has been explored. The sending country and the host institution have been analyzed. Finally, the global mark before the Erasmus period for outgoing students has been compared to the global mark obtained during the year spent abroad, by Student t test. Marks obtained by the incoming students in Valencia are also summarized.

RESULTS. A total of 43, 52 and 49 Valencia students of Pharmacy were involved during 07-08, 08-09 and 09-10, respectively. Simultaneously 38, 59 and 43 students coming from other European Pharmacy schools were received. Concerning the other degrees, the outgoing students were 36. The incoming students were 47.
The gender distribution study shows a slight decrease in Pharmacy outgoing female population compared to the matriculated students during 07-08 and 09-10 (67.75 and 65.11 vs 70%, respectively) while during 08-09 the proportion increased (84.61%). This tendency is maintained in CTA and NDH that presented 93.3% and 90.5% of female outgoing students vs 82% and 83% of matriculated students. Incoming students show a similar trend. Pharmacy students, for instance, were 30.5% of men during 08-09 while in 07-08 and 09-10 were 15% and 25.5% respectively.
The destinations of our students in order of exchanges are: Italy>France>Portugal>Greece >Czech Republic. This order is maintained with the Erasmus students coming to our Faculty.
The analysis of the academic achievement is difficult as there are many factors influencing. Nevertheless, there is a tendency to increase for our outgoing students, regardless of the degree. The incoming students obtained good results during the stage, similar to the achievements of the students outgoing before their stage.

CONCLUSIONS. A stabilization of the number of exchanges is observed, meaning that the program is fully established. The bilateral agreements are probably the main factor determining the selection of destination for our students.
Overall, the results concerning gender distribution reflect the higher prevalence in female enrollment for the three degrees at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Valencia.
More studies are needed in order to identify the reason for differences between pre and post Erasmus period marks. Variables such as level of preparation, requirements of the University of destination, different types of evaluation criteria or the motivation of the student should also be taken into account when interpreting these data.
Concerning the incoming students globally considered, they attain a similar mark to the students outgoing before their stage, with slight variations respect academic year and degree.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. The Erasmus scholarship program of the University of Valencia for incoming student support has given financial support.

Keywords:

Pharmacy, Food Science and Technology, Human Nutrition and Dietetics, gender, marks.