"Open Your Mind, Sharpen Your Wits": A Narrative Approach to the Benefits of Study Abroad as Perceived by Erasmus+ Students. Issue 3 (4th May 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Prieto-Arranz, José Igor; Juan-Garau, Maria; Mesquida-Mesquida, Francesca
• Is Part Of: Journal of language, identity, and education. Volume 22:Issue 3(2023)
• Page Start: 216
• Page End: 231
• Publication Date: 2023-05-04
• Subjects: Identity -- language acquisition -- socialisation -- study abroad -- transcultural competence; Language and education -- Periodicals; Multicultural education -- Periodicals; 306.44
• DOI: 10.1080/15348458.2020.1871352
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1534-8458

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This article provides qualitative information chronicling the study-abroad experiences of eight Erasmus+ students. Data were obtained from the analysis of focus-group discussions, e-journal narratives, plus background and language contact questionnaires. Combined, such data illustrate the participants' discursive positions on their socialisation patterns and the impact of Erasmus+ on their overall L2 selves, identity and transcultural competence, whilst also pointing to possible language gains. Results show that participants perceive they have widened their social circles, experienced personal growth, accrued new knowledge, and begun to perceive their own imagined communities differently. Finally, the article identifies several factors that seem to have had an impact on such results, and points to Erasmus as a life-changing experience.