Abstract:

This article presents an in-depth analysis of the decision-making process involved in participating in short-term mobility through the ERASMUS Programme. Utilising qualitative data gathered from 58 interviews conducted with former participants from Romania, Spain, and Poland within the framework of our doctoral thesis, and by conducting a thematic analysis, our objectives were to identify the factors that shaped their decision, discuss the characteristics of the decision-making process, and assess potential variations in decisional patterns. We started from the premise that in making their decision, ERASMUS students acted as rational actors, and performed a cost-benefit analysis (Levatino, 2022, p.3). This further lead us to analysing the complex maze of academic, cultural, social, and personal considerations that not only shaped students' choices regarding mobility but also played a crucial role in determining the timing and destination of their participation. The role of friends, family, and faculty will also be considered, as most participants involved other people in their decision as well. By uncovering the motivations driving students to embark on ERASMUS exchanges, this research contributes not only to a deeper understanding of the experience but also holds potential value for institutions seeking to enhance their number of outgoing students.

Keywords:

Student, mobility, ERASMUS, decision, motivation.