Journal
EMERGING ADULTHOOD
Volume 10, Issue 2, Pages 420-433Publisher
SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC
DOI: 10.1177/2167696820969464
Keywords
student exchange; identity; change processes; emerging adults; ERASMUS
Funding
- Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship
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The aim of this qualitative study was to explore how exchange students conceptualize the processes of change and development during exchange within an identity framework. The findings suggest that students' experiences and identity development play a crucial role in the changes that occur during exchange.
Student exchange is associated with many positive outcomes, however, little is known about the experiences that drive such changes. The aim of the current qualitative study was to explore how exchange students conceptualize the processes of change and development during exchange within an identity framework. Twenty interviews were conducted with Australian and French exchange alumni aged 19-23 years. Thematic analysis identified two major themes of change with specific associated driving experiences titled I did it, so I can do it and I know who I am, I know what I want. The second theme included two subthemes addressing an increased valuing of diversity and interest in international experiences. Three themes of influencing factors showed that students' attitudes, previous experience, and family environments could impact exchange outcomes. The findings suggest that identity development is central to development during exchange, with the findings aligning with pre-existing models from the identity literature.
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