The Erasmus Programme in France, Italy and the United Kingdom: Student Mobility as a Signal of Distinction and Privilege

Abstract

With three million participants since 1987, Erasmus promotes educational and crosscultural exchange. It claims to be the world's most successful student exchange scheme. The pertinent question is, successful for whom? This mixed-methods study of 758 survey respondents and over 100 interviews of Erasmus participants and non-participants in France, Italy and the UK finds that participation differs by social class. Compared with sedentary students, Erasmus students engaged in more academic and leisurely travel and have higher socio-economic status (SES). The authors argue that in the age of increased education access, an Erasmus year may be used to signal distinction and privilege. Participants are also more open to international opportunities, increasing their employment chances and further reinforcing their advantages.