EVALUATING STUDENT SATISFACTION IN STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM ACTIVITIES: INSIGHTS FROM AN INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE AT UNISER

After reviewing various research reports, brochures, studies, and articles related to European student exchange, the research found that most of them do not thoroughly discuss the activities students undertake abroad or students' feedback after the experience. Instead, they tend to focus on other issues, omitting the activities that motivate students to participate in these exchanges. Such activities form the foundation of the European student exchange experience. As stated in the Erasmus Programme Guide, the overarching goal of this initiative is to support the educational, professional, and personal development of individuals involved in education, training, youth, and sports in Europe and beyond. This support fosters sustainable growth, quality employment, and social cohesion while promoting innovation and strengthening European identity and active citizenship. These objectives are achieved through the activities students engage in while abroad, making them crucial for the success of the student exchange program. Therefore, these activities warrant significant attention. This dissertation was conducted concurrently with my internship at UNISER Soc—Coop, located in Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, where I had the opportunity to explore various documents concerning staff mobility management. Among the reports I examined were the feedback received from UNISER regarding student exchange trips organized in different European countries. These reports presented a range of student perspectives on the activities undertaken. While some activities were appreciated and viewed positively by certain students, others were deemed unsatisfactory. As a result, diverse viewpoints emerged based on these experiences. Based on these insights, I decided to focus my dissertation on contributing to the enhancement of this significant student exchange program, which offers valuable opportunities to its participants. The dissertation will also provide an overview of the student exchange program, explaining its workings and objectives. It will analyse how the program is implemented and how various European schools become involved. Finally, recommendations will be presented to improve and harmonize the program. By accumulating and carefully analysing observations, we can move toward more effective and satisfying programs for all students, regardless of their cultural background, geographical location, or other factors.