Development of a continuous improvement tool for outgoing Erasmus: first results

Abstract

Erasmus mobility is a valuable opportunity for students to explore not only new cultures and costumes but also learning practices and experiences. Every year, at the University of Minho there are many undergraduate students interested in the Erasmus program, however, there are several reasons that prevent them from moving forward. Aiming to help clarify students' questions and fears about the Erasmus experience, the Department of Production and Systems - DPS of the University of Minho decided to create a continuous improvement tool. The first step consisted of evaluating what motivated students to perform Erasmus whose results are analyzed in the present study. For this purpose, a questionnaire was developed and implemented with engineering students at the DPS who applied to the Erasmus program for the 2021/2022 academic year. The main personal reasons to study abroad pointed out by students were the fact that they think they will like the experience and that it will be interesting for them, as well as the fact that it is personally important for them. Despite this, many students consider Erasmus something they should do. Furthermore, it was found that the Erasmus coordination of the DPS played a fundamental role in their decision to conduct the Erasmus mobility.