Abstract:

The MERGE Project , whose objective is to analyse the effects of Erasmus on the mobility and employability of former students, featuring four study cases that included significant samples of former Erasmus students from the partner countries (Poland, Spain, Germany and the UK).

This paper presents the results obtained at the University of Deusto, emphasizing the evaluation of the experience of studying abroad, their motivations and consequences, particularly related to the impact in a subsequent mobility of graduates and in their employability. These results are analysed relating them to other external reports on employability (Deusto University Graduate Employment Survey) and mobility (Flash Eurobarometer) of college graduates.

The preliminary results seem to evidence that EU-funded education mobility activities have a positive impact on individual level, contributing to individuals’ personal development. Learning abroad prepares individuals with a wide range of competences and skills that are increasingly valued by employers – from foreign languages to adaptability and greater intercultural awareness. Thus, student mobility increases job prospects (employment rate) and encourages labour market mobility in the future (likelihood of living abroad).

Keywords:

Mobility, Employability, Higher education, European Higher Education Area.